How to Start an LLC in Montana

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A limited liability company or LLC offers countless benefits to businesses. For starters, it protects all your personal assets from business debts and liability. Additionally, it also lets you gain multiple tax advantages. Consequently, it is the most obvious choice for a business structure among budding entrepreneurs.

If you’re planning on starting an LLC in Montana, this guide will walk you through all the steps you need to follow. 

How to Start an LLC in Montana

To start an LLC in Montana, you need to complete the following steps: 

Name Your LLC

To officially start an LLC in Montana, you need to file your Articles of Organization. But for that, your company needs to have a name. So, the first step is to name your LLC. 

Here are the Montana naming guidelines you must follow:

  • The business name should contain one of the following terms: 

    • Limited liability company

    • LLC

    • L.L.C

    • Ltd liability company

    • Limited liability co

  • The name should be different from existing businesses in Montana. Check for the availability of your Montana LLC name by following this link

  • Do not use any names used by government agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, Treasury, etc. 

  • Additional paperwork may be required if you use words like bank, credit union, lawyer, etc., in the name.

Appoint a Registered Agent for Your Business

As per state laws of Montana, your LLC must have a registered agent. A registered agent can be any person or company that receives all official notices and documents in place of your LLC. 

Before you file your Articles of Organization, make sure you have appointed the agent. However, make sure that the agent complies with the following requirements: 

  • If a company is hired, make sure they provide registered agent services

  • The agent should have a street address in Montana

  • The agent should be available at the provided address during the state’s business hours to receive any notices or documents.

File Your Articles of Organization

What officially establishes your LLC is the Articles of Organization. Simply put, it is a document that contains all the basic information about your business. 

In order to properly file the Articles of Organization, they must be submitted to the Montana State Corporate Commission. Even though this sounds like a difficult job, all you really have to do is fill out an easy form and submit it online. You can also submit it by mail, which might take a little longer. 

Here is a list of most of the things you will need to file your Articles of Organization: 

  • The name of your LLC

  • The name and address of your appointed registered agent

  • The duration of your LLC. In most cases, LLCs are perpetual, meaning they exist for an indefinite period. However, if you want to start an LLC in Montana for a specific period, you must provide the expiration date. In the case of perpetual LLCs, they can be dissolved at any moment, voluntarily or involuntarily. 

  • A list of all the members that can be held liable for the company’s debts and obligations. You should also provide the names, addresses, and written consents of all these members. 

  • A detailed description of the management structure that defines whether your Montana LLC will be manager-managed or member-managed. 

  • The signatures of the person that wants to form the LLC

Once your articles have been filed, the secretary of state will review all documents and give the approval, after which your LLC will be officially formed. 

Get Your Certificate of Approval

After your Articles of Organization have been approved by the secretary of state, you will be issued a certificate that formally confirms the formation of your Montana LLC. 

With the help of this certificate, you can get your business license, open up a bank account, and obtain your employer identification number. 

Obtain Your Employer Identification Number

The Internal Revenue Service issues you the Employer Identification Number. 

It helps you manage and file your taxes on the federal and state level. Additionally, with the help of this number, you can also hire new employees and open your business bank account. 

Set Up a Website

Every business needs a website in this day and age. Most people searching for products or services prefer to hire those that have a well-functioning webpage. It creates a positive perspective among the target audience and gives your business a more professional outlook and authentic feel. 

But it is important that your website is easy to operate and SEO-optimized. A poor user experience can drive potential leads away before they can convert. Fortunately, Trady.com is here to help. We create powerful websites for various businesses that allow you to take online orders and bookings. The best part of all is that our pricing plans are pocket-friendly. 

Create a Logo

A logo is the best way to brand your Montana LLC. It helps your audience distinguish your business from your competitors. 

Your company logo goes on business cards, company vehicles, work clothes, ads, and almost everything relating to your business. Hiring a pro to develop an attractive and eye-catching logo is best. 

Market Your Business

Marketing your business is the most important part of starting an LLC in Montana. Without proper marketing, you can’t get customers. 

In the age of digitalization, using search engine marketing and social media ads is the best way to pitch your business to the target market. With Trady.com as your marketing manager, you can get SMS marketing, email marketing, social media ads, and much more at affordable prices.