Montana gives you the nation's cheapest way to start an LLC at just a $35 filing fee. Everything happens through the Secretary of State's online portal. Your Articles of Organization typically process within five to six business days with standard filing.
Need your LLC formed faster? Montana offers two speed options: 24-hour processing for an extra $20, or one-hour processing for $100 more. Both add to the base $35 fee.
While these fees haven't changed recently, you should always double-check the Secretary of State's website before filing.
Everything is processed through Montana's online portal, as paper filing is no longer an option. Your $35 covers the Articles of Organization, with processing in about five to six business days. If you're in a hurry, the expedited options won't break the bank.
No additional paperwork is required for expedited processing; simply select your preferred timeline at checkout. The one-hour service is only available during office hours, so late submissions will be processed on the next business day.
After formation, you'll face annual reports by April 15 each year for $20. These tiny ongoing costs, paired with the nation's lowest formation fee, make Montana a sweet spot for new business owners.
Montana's $35 filing fee dramatically beats neighboring states and the national average. Idaho charges $100 - $120, Wyoming charges $100 ($102 with credit card processing), and North Dakota demands $135. Against the national average of approximately $132 for LLC formation, Montana offers significant savings.
This cost advantage means real savings for your business. Montana's low entry price keeps more money in your pocket for marketing, inventory, or unexpected costs during your crucial first year. Even late annual report filings cost only $35, which is still cheaper than the standard annual fees in Wyoming or North Dakota.
Since Montana only takes online filings, you skip mail delays and paper processing fees that plague other states. Whether you're starting your first business or managing multiple companies, Montana gives you immediate savings and lower recurring costs.
While Montana's $35 formation fee stays among the nation's lowest, several other costs might arise as your business evolves. Knowing these upfront helps you build a realistic budget and avoid surprise expenses.
Registered agent costs vary based on your approach. Being your own agent costs nothing if you have a reliable Montana address that is open during business hours. If privacy is a concern, commercial services typically charge between $99 and $300 annually for professional handling and privacy protection.
Local business licenses and industry permits add another layer of costs that vary by city and profession. These requirements change frequently and require separate research before you start operating.
Discern auto-fills every Montana form using your company profile, completing most filings in minutes. You receive automatic annual report reminders with one-click submissions, a built-in registered agent service for privacy, and clear visibility into your compliance status, eliminating the uncertainty that plagues many business owners.
Ready to take the stress out of LLC compliance? Book a demo with Discern today.
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