• How do I file my annual report?

  What is an “annual report?” ​Annual reports are required for all limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations (profit and nonprofit). The annual report filed with the Secretary of State’s office ensures your registration remains up to date and confirms that you are an active business in Montana. It is a renewal of your registration information, where you can update the business mailing address, registered agent, shares (if applicable), and principals of record. It is not a tax orPopular

• Cancel, Withdraw, or Terminate a Business Registration

  To Cancel/Withdraw/Terminate a Business Registration Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Sign in to the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.) Once you are signed in, search for the business registration using the “Search” in the left-side menu. Click on the business name in the results list, and find the panel on the right side of the screPopular

• Request for Business Documents and Certificates

  Principal Extract & Search Reports To Request Business Certificates or Certified Copies of Business Documents: Please access the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Click “Login” and sign into the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, click the “login” button, then “create an account.”) Search for the business by name or folder ID. In search results, click on the business name to open the record. On the right,Popular

• Find or Change a Registered Agent

  Change Registered Agent/Office AddressPopular

• Register a Business

  Business Registration To Register a Business with the Montana Secretary of State's Office Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Sign into the site with your username and password. (If you don't have an account, simply click the login button and you'll see where you can create one. This is your user profile for the site.) Go to the Forms section in the left side menu. Choose the applicable form. Choose Domestic forms for a MontanaPopular

• How to Reinstate a Business

  How to Reinstate Your Montana Business To Reinstate a Business: Montana (domestic) corporations and LLCs are eligible for reinstatement within 5 years of their dissolution date. Out-of-state (foreign) entity types are not eligible to reinstate and must requalify. Most domestic business registrations require a Title 15 Certificate from the MT Department of Revenue to be reinstated. Request the certificate through the Department of Revenue's [Transaction Portal](httpsPopular

• Do I need to register my out-of-state (foreign) business with Montana if I hire a remote employee who works from Montana?

  Foreign Business If your foreign (out-of-state) business has a physical presence/significant operation in Montana, such as an employee working remotely from Montana, you generally need to register as a foreign entity. Legal nuances vary; review Montana law or consult a professional.Some readers

• How do I know if a business name is available?

  Available Business NamesSome readers

• File and Maintain Business Documents

  Register a new business or maintain your existing business registration by signing into the online filing portal. Log in with your username and password, or click the login button to create your user profile and sign in. Registering a new business? Start a new business application on the Forms page. Already registered? Search for your business record, then click on its name. Navigate to the Filing Actions button to locate the required form. || [Visit our onliSome readers

• Uniform Commercial Code Information

  | Search Criteria A UCC lien is a financial document stating that a lender (secured party) has a claim in certain property belonging to someone else (debtor). By filing a UCC lien, a secured party establishes his or her priority for payment over subsequent secured parties if the debtor defaults on the loan. A lien filed with the Secretary of State provides notice to interested parties of the existence of a security interest against specific coSome readers

• Currently have a registered Assumed Business Name (ABN/DBA) - Change to a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  Currently have a registered Assumed Business Name (ABN/DBA) - Change to an LLC To change business structures from an Assumed Business Name to a Limited Liability Company, file a conversion to an LLC if the applicant on the registration is a partnership or an association. In order to keep the same name, if the ABN applicant is an individual, cancel the ABN, then re-register as an LLC. To Cancel an ABN: Visit the online filing portal at [https://biz.sosmt.gov/](https://biz.soSome readers

• The form indicates that my name is unavailable, but I have searched and could not find a business with the same name.

  Name Unavailable Business names may be considered unavailable not only because of exact matches, but also due to similarities with existing names. Montana law requires that a business name be "distinguishable" from other registered or reserved names to avoid confusion. This means that even small differences, such as abbreviations, punctuation, or suffixes (e.g., LLC, Inc.), do not make two names distinct. For detailed rules on name distinguishability and examples, please review the official MonSome readers

• How do I find my Articles of Organization?

  Access the online filing portal at biz.sosmt.gov, search for your business, click on the business name in the results list, go to the right-side panel at the bottom to view filings, and download the document. Articles and original registration documents are labeled as “Initial Filing.”Some readers

• What is an operating agreement?

  An operating agreement details an LLC’s ownership, management, and procedures. Operating agreements are not required to be filed with the Secretary of State, but should be part of an LLC’s internal documents.Some readers

• Lien Fee Sheet

  New Filings UCC1 Lien $7.00 UCC1 Agricultural Lien $7.00 UCC1 Manufactured Home Transaction $7.00 UCC1 Public Finance Transaction $7.00 UCC1 Transmitting Utility Lien $7.00 EFS Lien $7.00 Federal Tax Lien $7.00 DPHHS Notice Of Child Support Lien $7.00 Title 71 Crop Lien For Seed Or Grain $7.00 Title 71 Crop Lien For Hail Insurance $7.00 Title 71 Thresher’s Lien $7.00 Title 71 Farm Laborer’s Lien $7.00 | Title 71 Crop Or GSome readers

• How do I get the percentage of ownership on my registration?

  Member ownership percentages are set in the operating agreement, and/or bylaws. This information may be included when you file as supplemental documents, as long as sensitive information is removed, such as birthdays, SSN, etc.Some readers

• How do I get an EIN or TIN?

  You may apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or TIN (Taxpayer Identificiation Number) directly with the IRS, free of charge, at www.irs.gov.Few readers

• What is a registered agent?

  A registered agent receives legal documents and state notices on behalf of your business. Montana law requires all corporations and LLCs to have a registered agent to ensure reliable delivery of official documents. When you are filing an LLC, corporate type, or limited partnership, you are legally required to have a registered agent—either type meets the basic requirements, but consider your business’s size, projected growth, and state law before choosing. A registered agent is a person or comFew readers

• Federal Food Security Act

  The Federal Food Security Act provides buyers of farm products, commission merchants, and selling agents the opportunity to register with the Secretary of State's Office for a listing of security interests in specific farm products. A “farm product” is an agricultural commodity such as wheat, corn, soybeans, or a species of livestock such as cattle, hogs, sheep, horses, or poultry used or produced in farming operations, or a product of such crop or livestock in its unmanufactured state (such asFew readers

• How do I make a correction to a previously filed business document?

  To correct information you previously filed with the Montana Secretary of State, log in to the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ (use the login button in the top right corner). Once logged in, go to ‘My Work Queue’ on the left menu. Find and click on the specific filing you want to correct to access the correction letter download. To make the correction, click on the pencil icon next to the relevant section of the filing and enter the requested updated orFew readers

• File an Amendment

  Amend an Existing Business Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Sign in to the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.) Once signed in, search for the business registration using the “Search” in the left-side menu. Click on the business name in the results list, and find the panel on the right side of the screen. Go to the Filing Actions button anFew readers

• Create an Account / Reset Password / Log In

  How do I create an account, reset my password, or log in? Creating an Account If you have never accessed the online filing portal located HERE, select ‘Create an Account’ and enter the required information. A verification email will be sent with a link to validate your account. Click the link to be prompted to the login page and begin. Reset Password If you've used the online filing portal before, located HERE, click thFew readers

• I need to register my vehicle under my LLC. How do I do that?

  Vehicle Registration is completed through the Montana Motor Vehicle Department at mvd.mt.gov or by calling 406-444-3933.Few readers

• Request a Refund

  The Montana Secretary of State’s office refunds payments under certain circumstances, including, but not limited to: Technological errors Administrative errors If you believe you have been overcharged and have not received a refund, please click here to submit a refund request.Few readers

• Is Title 15, or is a tax certificate needed?

  You must apply online through the MT Dept of Revenue. Please visit tap.dor.mt.gov. An approved certificate will be sent by email. Once you have received this document, save it on your computer. · Filings that require submitting a Tax Certificate (Title 15) document are reinstatements, withdrawals, and active-suspended (/tax-related). Use the online portal and upload the documents to the page.Few readers

• How do I know if my business is member-managed or manager-managed?

  member managed, managerFew readers

• Change Principal Mailing Address

  Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Sign in to the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, simply click the login button, and you’ll see where you can create one. This is your user profile for the site.) Search for the business by name or folder ID. In search results, click on the business name to open the record. In the slide-out bar on the right, click on Filing Actions. Scroll down to select and compFew readers

• How do I reinstate my Assumed Business Name (ABN)?

  Assumed Business Name, ABN, ReinstateFew readers

• How do I search for a registered agent?

  To find out who the registered agent is for a business, you can use the Montana Secretary of State’s business search tool Search | Official Montana Secretary of State. Simply search for the business name, then click on that business in the results list. On the right side of the page, you’ll see the registered agent’s name and address.Few readers

• Why do I need a registered agent?

  A registered agent receives legal documents and state notices on behalf of your business. Montana law requires all corporations and LLCs (LP/LLLP) to have a registered agent to ensure reliable delivery of documents.Few readers

• Do you need Operating Agreement/Bylaws?

  For LLCs, it is highly recommended to have an Operating Agreement. This is an internal document that sets the rules for how your LLC is run, including member roles, decision-making, profit distribution, and other important business operations. Montana law does not require you to file this document with the state; however, having one helps protect your company and clarify its operations. For corporations, bylaws serve a similar purpose by establishing the internal rules and procedures. While corFew readers

• How do I renew my business?

  Annual reports (LLC, Corporations) and Renewals (Assumed Business Names, Partnerships) are filed via the same portal. To maintain good standing, submit your annual report before the deadline or renew your business before the expiration at biz.sosmt.gov/search/business.Few readers

• Register a Trademark

  Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Sign in to the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.) Once you’re logged in, click “Register a Trademark” in the Trademark box, then select “Registration of Mark (Trademark or Service Mark)” and “File Online.” The form will open, and you will complete the application online. Please read all the instructions aFew readers

• What is the difference between an LLC and a PLLC?

  A PLLC (Professional LLC) is for licensed professions (like doctors and lawyers), while an LLC is for general businesses. https://sosmt.gov/business/business-structures/ PLLC is a subtype of the LLC form, and can be changed at any time in the Articles of Amendment Form.Few readers

• How do I register a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name under my Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

  DBA, LLCFew readers

• I paid for 24-hour processing, but I have not received a response from your office.

  Verify that your payment was successful and check your email, including spam folders. Business Services can provide updates at 406-444-3665.Few readers

• What is a Reserved Name?

  A reserved name is held for 120 days, so no one else can register it while you prepare to file your business documents.Few readers

• Why do I not see filing actions?

  The Filing Actions button is only available when a person is signed in under their user account. Locate the Filing Actions button by following these steps: · Sign in to the online portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/. · Search for a business registration. · Click on the business name to open the right-side panel. · The Filing Actions will be at the top of the right-side panel. If the Filing Actions are still not available after following these steps, please contact BusinessFew readers

• How do I dissolve my business?

  File the appropriate dissolution form at Search | Official Montana Secretary of State. Search for the business, click on its name, and go to the Filing Actions to find the form. Follow instructions as prompted.Few readers

• File a Lien

  File a new lien or continue/amend/terminate existing liens by signing into the online filing portal. Login with your username and password or click the login button to “create an account.” New lien forms can be found on the Forms page, Liens section (in gray, at the top of the screen,) or by clicking “File a Lien” from the home page. Forms to continue/amend/terminate existing liens can be found under the current lien record. To access them, go to the Search, LiensFew readers

• How do I find a registered agent?

  You can be your own registered agent or appoint a Montana resident or registered agent service. The agent must have a physical Montana address. You can find a list of commercial registered agents on the Secretary of State’s website at https://biz.sosmt.gov/lists.Few readers

• What is the difference between ABN/LLC/Corporation, etc.?

  Visit our website at https://sosmt.gov/business/business-structures/ for a full list of terms and business structures.Few readers

• I need an alcoholic beverage license. How do I get that?

  AlcoholFew readers

• How do I know what type of business to register for?

  Your choice depends on liability, taxation, and management needs. Common types are sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporation, and Partnership. Montana offers overviews to guide you. For details on all types of businesses, visit https://sosmt.gov/business/business-structures/.Few readers

• How do I register as a Sole Proprietor?

  Individuals who choose to do business under an Assumed Business Name may be referred to as a "sole proprietor." A sole proprietor is a business owned by one individual. To Register an Assumed Business Name (ABN/DBA): Please visit sosmt.gov or use the following portal link: https://biz.sosmt.gov/. From sosmt.gov, scroll down to view/click on the Online Filing Portal. On the portal home page, click the “Login” button in the upper rFew readers

• I was informed that I must register my business as a foreign entity to obtain an insurance license. As a registered agent, should I list mys

  The registered agent's primary purpose is to collect service of process. A registered agent must have a physical and mailing address in Montana. IF you do not have one, you must hire a commercial registered agent. You should search for your business’s registered agent, not yourself as an agent, unless you are serving in that role.Few readers

• What is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)?

  The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law enacted by U.S. Congress. The Federal Government will require businesses to file a report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Information shared by the federal government on their new requirements can be found on their website here: https://www.fincen.gov/boi. A brochure from the federal government is also available by [clicking here](https://www.fincen.gFew readers

• My business will have food. What do I need to do?

  The Montana Secretary of State does not handle food-related licensing. Instead, food business licensing is managed primarily by local county health departments and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Information to consider: Local Health Permits: Apply for the necessary health permits with your local county health department. They will review your food service plans, inspect your facilities, and ensure you meet sanitation and food safety standards. State RetFew readers

• Resetting Your Username

  Click the following link to access the login page. Click on the Forgot Username link on the login page. Enter your email address. An email will be sent to the email address that will contain your username(s) that you have registered.Few readers

• I have registered with the state; do I also need a business license?

  Registering your business with the Montana Secretary of State is only one step. Depending on your business type and location, you may also need local or state licenses to operate legally. Many cities and counties require a local business or occupation license. Be sure to check with your city or county government offices. Some professions or industries require licenses from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), which oversees professional licensing for occupations such as contraFew readers

• How much does it cost to register my business?

  Fees vary by entity type. For full details, see the Secretary of State's fee sheet at sosmt.gov/business/fees/.Few readers

• Recovering Your Username

  Click the following link to access the login page. Click on the 'Forgot Username' link on the login page. Enter your email address. An email will be sent to the email address that will contain your username(s) that you have registered.Few readers

• What does email address not verified mean?

  When a new user account is created, a verification link is sent to the user’s email address to ensure that the email is valid. Once the email has been validated, the user account will be fully active. By validating the email, you are ensuring that future notifications from the Secretary of State’s office will be received.Few readers

• I want to report a business for being fraudulent.

  fraudFew readers

• Why have I not received an email verification?

  Check your spam/junk folders. If the email isn’t found, your account may have been set up with a typo or may need to be resubmitted. Please contact us at 406-444-3665 for further assistance if needed.Few readers

• UCC Payments

  | UCC Filing Fees Lien filing payments can be made by credit/debit card or by electronic check. Click “File Online” to submit your filing, then “+ Add New Payment Method.” Enter your payment information and “Checkout.” If you have existing payment methods on file, select the circle to the left of your desired payment option, then “Checkout.” To remove an expired/invalid payment method, click the trashcan icon nFew readers

• Why are paper forms not accepted?

  The Montana Secretary of State’s office has moved to an online-only filing system to improve efficiency and processing.Few readers

• How do I change my business to an S-Corp?

  S-Corp is a federal tax status. Form your entity as an LLC or Corporation in Montana, then file IRS Form 2553 to elect S-Corp status. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.Few readers

• When filing for reinstatement, withdrawal, or resolving an active-suspended tax-related case in Montana, is a Title 15 Tax Certificate requi

  Filings that require submitting a Tax Certificate (Title 15) document include reinstatements, withdrawals, and active-suspended (tax-related) cases. Use the online portal and upload the documents to the page. You must apply online through the Montana Department of Revenue. Please visit tap.dor.mt.gov. An approved certificate will be sent by email. Once you have received this document, save it on your computer.Few readers

• Renew a Trademark

  To Renew a Trademark: Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/ Sign in to the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.) Use the Trademark search to look up the existing trademark record, either by name or ID number. Be sure the top menu on the search screen is highlighted as "Trademark" and not Business. In search results, click on the mark nFew readers

• How do I find my receipt?

  Receipts can be found under “My Receipts” when you are signed into the online filing portal. If you cannot find the receipt here or were not signed into the portal when you made payment, please email sosbusiness@mt.gov with details, including the estimated payment date, the last 4 digits of the card used, and any business name related to the filing or information request.Few readers

• What is the difference between a commercial and a non-commercial registered agent, and how do I decide which one I need?

  If registering with the structure of a Corporation, LLC, LP, LLLP, a registered agent is required. When you are filing an LLC, corporate type, or limited partnership, you are legally required to have a registered agent. A commercial registered agent is a professional company or service that has officially registered with the state to provide registered agent services for other businesses, receiving legal documents and official communications on their behalf. **A non-commercial registeredFew readers

• When asked if I have a previously filed name reservation, should I answer "yes" or "no"?

  Answer this question based on whether you have officially submitted and received a name reservation from the Montana Secretary of State for the exact business name you want to use. A name reservation holds a proposed business name for 120 days before you register it as your business or assumed business name (ABN). Most people will answer "No" because a name reservation is a separate filing from a business registration or an assumed business name (ABN). If you have never filed a formal name reseFew readers

• Tribal Forms

  Uniform Commercial Codes, referred to as UCCs, are important tools for enabling and supporting tribal economic and housing development by improving access to commercial and consumer credit. A comprehensive and culturally appropriate secured transaction code can assist Tribes, American Indian-owned businesses , and Indian consumers that are encountering barriers to affordable credit by allowing for business to be transacted more efficiently and cost-effectively with parties located outside of thFew readers

• Why is my business status still in involuntary dissolution after I have filed all the annual reports?

  Filing all the missing annual reports alone is not enough to reinstate your business from involuntary dissolution. To reinstate your business, you must file both the required annual reports and the Reinstatement Application with the Montana Secretary of State. Steps to reinstate your business: File all outstanding annual reports and pay any associated fees. Complete and submit the Reinstatement Application form online. Obtain a Title 15 Tax Certificate from the Montana Department of ReFew readers

• Lien Search / Subscription

  Lien Searches You can search for liens by debtor or secured party. To start, click on “Copy/Search Requests” from the home screen, or go to Forms, “Copy Request” section. Use the UCC11 Information Request form to search. Standard searches are $7, which provides the debtor and secured party names and addresses, as well as the lien filing number and date. To request copies and/or see collateral associated with a filing, make sure to check the option for “List and Copies.” An additional $5 feeFew readers

• Why didn't I receive a receipt for my Annual Report?

  Fees are waived for annual reports submitted between January 1st and April 15th. If you file your annual report during the waived fee period, you will not receive a receipt. If you have filed an annual report after April 15th, the receipt is available for immediate download. If you are logged in to the filing portal, click on the receipts tab to download your receipt.Few readers

• Updating Your User Account Information

  Once you are logged into the online filing portal HERE, you will see your name and username in the upper right of the page. Click on your username/name, and a dropdown will appear. Click the Edit My Account button to edit your account. You can update your name, email address, and contact details on this page.Few readers

• How do I file a lien through your website?

  Liens are filed with the Montana Secretary of State through the online website portal at biz.sosmt.gov. For more information and instructions, visit https://sosmt.gov/business/lien-information/.Few readers

• When I change my business name, whom do I need to notify?

  Change Business Name When you change your business name, you need to notify the Montana Secretary of State by filing an amendment to update your official business records. You can file an amendment to your business name on the Montana Secretary of State’s online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/. Here are the steps: Sign in to the portal with your username and password (create an account if you don’t have one). Use the search function to find your existFew readers

• What is ICEC or contractor registration?

  ICEC stands for the Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate. It verifies that you operate as an independent contractor (not an employee) in Montana. Contractor registration applies to those in the construction industry. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry manages more details and applications. Contact DLI at https://erd.dli.mt.gov or 406-444-7734.Few readers

• What does Involuntary Dissolution and/or Expired mean?

  Involuntary Dissolution: Administratively dissolved due to missed filings and fees, or not maintaining a registered agent. Expired: The registration period has lapsed (common for trademarks/DBAs) and must be filed again.Few readers

• Why did I get a blank page when I requested documents?

  Technical issues can cause blank downloads. Try using a different browser, check your internet connection, or contact the Secretary of State's Office at 406-444-3665.Few readers