Montana LLC Filing Fee & Annual Cost
Montana LLC filing fee is $70 with no annual fee. See the full breakdown, taxes, and comparison.
Montana LLC setup cost breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| LLC initial filing fee | $70 |
| Annual fee / report / franchise tax | $0 |
| Corporation initial filing fee | $70 |
| Corporation annual / franchise fee | $0 |
| Estimated first-year LLC total | $70 |
A registered agent is required in every state (typically $50–$300/year) and is not included in the figures above.
Why form in Montana?
No annual report fee for LLCs.
Tax summary
- State personal income tax applies to owners.
- Pass-through taxation: LLC profits flow to owners' personal returns by default.
- Corporations may face a separate franchise or minimum tax — see the table above.
Compare with neighboring states
Check the full state comparison table to weigh Montana against cheaper or tax-friendlier options before filing.
Source: Montana Secretary of State fee schedule, compiled 2026. Fees change with legislation — verify before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation?
An LLC (limited liability company) is flexible, pass-through taxed, and simpler to run. A corporation issues shares and is better for outside investment and employee equity plans. Both limit your personal liability.
Do I need to form an LLC in my home state?
You can form in any state, but if you do business in your home state you usually still register there (foreign qualification). For most small owners, forming in the state where you operate is simplest and cheapest.
What are ongoing compliance requirements?
Most states require an annual or biennial report, and some charge a franchise tax. Missing deadlines can trigger late fees or administrative dissolution.
Is the cheapest state always the best?
No. Fees are one factor; also weigh taxes, privacy, courts, and how much business you do locally. Wyoming and New Mexico are cheap, but California offers a large local market at a high annual cost.
Do these tables give legal or tax advice?
No. StateFeeCompare is a reference only. Fees change with legislation — confirm current amounts with the state agency or a licensed professional before filing.