How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Montana


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation are the main documents used in establishing your LLC in Montana. The document is required to be filed with the Secretary of State in Montana. Each form has a long list of details to be shared by the limited liability company owner before sending or uploading the document.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Montana. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Montana to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

Articles of Organization in Montana

The Articles of Organization for an LLC are the most important document of all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures, such as a corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, the Articles of Organization are one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with the Montana Secretary of State.

Each state has different requirements to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually include the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Montana,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Montana are a legal requirement, not to mention the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Montana LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Montana LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). State-wise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Montana, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Montana Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to the Montana LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Registered Agent in Montana. It is recommended to explore the best LLC services in Montana for hiring a professional registered agent and other formation-related services.

For the ones who are residing outside of Montana and want to set up a foreign LLC in Montana, you must file another type of document, similar yet different from the Articles of Organization. For filing a foreign LLC, you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states, along with Montana.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Montana?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the State Capitol, Room 260 ~ PO Box 202801, Helena, Montana 59620-2801. For online filing, you must log in to the Montana Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in a Demand Draft (if available). Most states do not accept cash payments for security reasons. Check with the SOS before filing your document.

Cost of Filing Montana Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Montana includes all types of fees, starting from the name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($20), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Montana, the filing fee for a formation document is $70. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and it can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while forming an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Montana Articles of Organization: Amending the articles of organization is required when any changes are made. Change of a registered agent, change of a physical address, or any information related to your existing LLC must be filed. Hence, you need to amend the Montana Articles of Organization.

FAQs

What is an LLC and why should I consider forming one in Montana?
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a type of business structure that offers personal liability protection to its owners. Forming an LLC in Montana can provide a number of benefits, such as protecting your personal assets in case of business debts or lawsuits.
How do I file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Montana?
To form an LLC in Montana, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail, and the filing fee is $70.
What information is required in the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Montana?
The Articles of Organization for an LLC in Montana must include the company’s name, registered agent information, principal office address, and the names and addresses of the members or managers.
Do I need to have a physical address in Montana to form an LLC there?
Yes, you will need to provide a physical address in Montana for your LLC’s principal office. This address will be listed on the Articles of Organization.
Can I serve as my own registered agent for my Montana LLC?
You can serve as the registered agent for your Montana LLC, but you must have a physical address in the state where you can be reached during regular business hours.
How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Montana?
The processing time for LLC Articles of Organization in Montana can vary, but it typically takes around 5-7 business days if filed online, or 1-2 weeks if filed by mail.
Can I expedite the processing of my LLC Articles of Organization in Montana?
Yes, you can expedite the processing of your LLC Articles of Organization in Montana for an additional fee. This can reduce the processing time to 2-3 business days if filed online, or 1 week if filed by mail.
Do I need an operating agreement for my LLC in Montana?
While not required by Montana law, it is highly recommended that every LLC have an operating agreement in place to clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and ownership stakes of the members.
What is the cost of filing LLC formation documents in Montana?
The cost of filing the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Montana is $70. There may be additional fees for expedited processing or other services.
Are there any annual reporting requirements for an LLC in Montana?
Yes, LLCs in Montana are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $20, and the deadline is every April 15th.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Montana after filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Montana by filing an amendment to the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15.
What is a registered agent, and why do I need one for my Montana LLC?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of your LLC. In Montana, every LLC is required to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
Can I form a series LLC in Montana?
Yes, Montana allows for the formation of series LLCs, which are a type of LLC that can divide its assets and liabilities into separate series.
How can I check the availability of my desired LLC name in Montana?
You can perform a name search on the Secretary of State’s website to check the availability of your desired LLC name in Montana. It is important to choose a unique and distinguishable name.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Montana before filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Montana by filing a Name Reservation application with the Secretary of State. The fee is $10 and the reservation lasts for 120 days.
Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Montana?
Yes, licensed professionals such as doctors, dentists, engineers, and attorneys can form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Montana to provide their services.
Can an LLC be formed by a single person in Montana?
Yes, a single individual, known as a single-member LLC, can form an LLC in Montana. The same filing requirements and procedures apply.
Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in Montana?
Yes, you can convert your existing business, such as a sole proprietorship or partnership, into an LLC in Montana by filing the appropriate forms with the Secretary of State. It is recommended to consult with a legal professional before doing so.
Are there any ongoing compliance requirements for an LLC in Montana?
In addition to filing an annual report, Montana LLCs must also maintain accurate records, hold annual meetings, and comply with any other state and federal regulations that may apply to their business operations.
Can an LLC be taxed as an S-corporation in Montana?
Yes, an LLC in Montana can elect to be taxed as an S-corporation by filing Form 2553 with the IRS. This allows the LLC to pass through its income and be taxed at the individual owner’s tax rate.
What is the personal liability protection offered by an LLC in Montana?
An LLC in Montana provides limited liability protection to its owners, meaning that the personal assets of the owners are generally protected from business debts and lawsuits.
Do I need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for my Montana LLC?
Yes, an EIN is required for most LLCs in Montana. It is used for tax purposes, hiring employees, opening bank accounts, and other business activities.
Can a foreign LLC do business in Montana?
Yes, a foreign LLC, or an LLC formed in another state, can do business in Montana by registering as a foreign LLC with the Secretary of State and appointing a registered agent in the state.
Can I dissolve my Montana LLC if I no longer wish to operate it?
Yes, you can dissolve your Montana LLC by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State. This will formally terminate the LLC’s existence in the state.
Can I reinstate a dissolved LLC in Montana?
Yes, you can reinstate a dissolved LLC in Montana by filing an Application for Reinstatement with the Secretary of State and paying the required fees and penalties.
Can I transfer my Montana LLC to another state?
Yes, you can transfer your Montana LLC to another state by filing Articles of Conversion with the Secretary of State of both states and following the conversion requirements of the new state.
How can I learn more about forming an LLC in Montana?
You can visit the Montana Secretary of State website, contact a business attorney, or consult with a business formation service for more information about forming an LLC in Montana.
What is the first step to forming an LLC in Montana?
The first step is filing Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization in Montana?
The filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Montana is $70.
Can I submit my LLC Articles of Organization online in Montana?
Yes, you can file online through the Montana Secretary of State website.

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In Conclusion

The formation document, or the Articles of Organization, is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Montana. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Montana, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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