1. Does Montana Require an LLC Annual Report?
Yes—Montana generally requires LLCs to file an annual report every year. This report keeps your business information current with the Montana Secretary of State and helps maintain your company’s active status and good standing. If you skip the annual report for too long, the state can mark the business as not in good standing and may administratively dissolve the registration.
2. What Montana LLCs Must Update Each Year
A Montana annual report is mainly about keeping your business details accurate. Most LLCs should be ready to confirm or update:
Annual report update checklist
- Business name & entity ID: confirm you’re filing for the correct registration
- Principal address: keep your main business address current
- Registered Agent details: confirm the agent name/address is correct
- Company leadership/contacts: update members/managers info where applicable
- Email for confirmations: use a reliable email so you receive proof of filing
3. What’s Included in the Montana Annual Report?
Montana’s annual report is typically a short online filing where you either: (a) confirm “no change” or (b) update your business information. It’s designed to keep the state’s public record correct so your LLC remains active.
What it usually covers
- Confirms your entity is active and your state record is current
- Validates your registered agent and official business addresses
- Helps maintain good standing for banking, contracts, and verifications
- Creates a compliance trail (proof of filing) for future audits/reviews
- Prevents administrative dissolution risk caused by missing reports
If you only remember one thing: file the Montana annual report every year—it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your business status.
4. Montana LLC Due Dates (April 15) + First Report Timing
Montana annual reports are commonly due by April 15 each year. Many businesses can file as early as January 1 through the online portal. If you formed your LLC recently, your first annual report is typically due in the next annual cycle.
Common timing examples
- Standard deadline: File by April 15 each year
- Early filing: Often available starting January 1
- Best practice: File early to avoid portal rush and late fees
What can cause problems?
- Waiting until the deadline week (portal traffic + last-minute mistakes)
- Outdated registered agent or address info (can trigger compliance flags)
- Ignoring notices if your business falls out of good standing
STAY COMPLIANT
Click the button below and our team will guide you through Montana’s annual report filing—fast and correctly.
Get Compliance Help5. Where to File + What You’ll Need
Montana annual reports are typically filed online through the Montana Secretary of State’s business portal . Before you start, keep your basic business details ready so you can submit without errors.
What you should keep ready
- Legal LLC name and Montana entity ID / folder ID (as shown in the state portal)
- Registered Agent name and address on record
- Principal office address and mailing address
- Email address for filing confirmation
- Login/access method for the state portal (or the filing steps to locate your business)
Why founders use a compliance service
- Avoid missing deadlines and late fees
- Reduce mistakes that cause “not in good standing” status
- Keep clean records for banking and payment processor reviews
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end compliance guidance | ✅ State + federal clarity | ➖ Partial | ➖ DIY-heavy |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
The annual report is a small task, but it protects your business status. File on time, keep your registered agent active, and store confirmations. It prevents issues with banks, payment gateways, and vendor verification.
6. How to File the Montana Annual Report (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Go to the Montana online business portal
Visit the Montana Secretary of State online filing portal at biz.sosmt.gov. This is where annual reports are typically filed.
Step 2: Locate your LLC
Search for your business using your entity name or ID. If you have a folder ID/entity ID, keep it handy to avoid selecting the wrong business.
Step 3: Review and update business details (or choose “no change”)
Confirm your registered agent, principal address, and other business information. If nothing changed, you may be able to file a “no change” annual report.
Step 4: Submit the report and pay any applicable fee
Submit the annual report and complete payment if required (fees can vary by timing and waiver periods). Save your confirmation page and receipt.
Step 5: Store proof in a compliance folder
Save a PDF/screenshot of the confirmation and any receipt. This helps during bank re-verification, payment processor reviews, and future compliance checks.
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Set a reminder for April 15 each year (file early if possible)
- Keep your registered agent active and address current
- Store filing confirmations and receipts in one folder
- Update changes (address/agent/management) promptly
8. Fees, Late Fees & Good Standing
- Annual report fee: Can be waived during certain filing windows (often Jan 1–Apr 15)
- After deadline: Filing after the deadline can trigger a higher fee (commonly shown as $35)
- Registered Agent (if using a service): Typically $50/year
- Good standing impact: Status impacts banking and vendor onboarding
- Non-filing risk: Continued non-filing can lead to administrative dissolution
| Compliance Item | Typical Timing | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Annual Report | Annually (commonly due April 15) | Varies (fee-waiver window may apply) |
| Late Annual Report Filing | After deadline | Often higher (commonly shown as $35) |
| Registered Agent Renewal | Annually | $100–$300 |
| Federal Income Tax Return | Annually | Varies |
| Good Standing Certificate (optional) | As needed | Varies |
9. Federal Compliance That Impacts Montana LLCs
1. Federal tax return (IRS)
Your Montana LLC’s federal tax filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules. Keep your federal filings aligned with your records.
2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and work with payment processors. Keep your EIN confirmation and IRS notices stored for compliance documentation.
3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)
If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update federal beneficial ownership information (where applicable). This is separate from Montana annual reporting but often comes up during annual reviews.
4. Other recurring federal obligations
- Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
- Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
- Keeping clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews
10. Conclusion
The biggest takeaway: Montana LLCs generally must file an annual report every year—commonly due by April 15. Filing on time helps keep your LLC in good standing and avoids unnecessary issues.
With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right schedule, file correctly, and keep your business active.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most Montana LLCs must file an annual report each year to keep the business active and in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State.
Montana annual reports are commonly due by April 15 each year. Many businesses can file as early as January 1 through the state’s online portal.
Most businesses file online through the Montana Secretary of State’s portal at biz.sosmt.gov.
Late filing can lead to higher fees and loss of good standing. Continued non-filing can result in administrative dissolution, which creates problems with banks, payment processors, vendor onboarding, and contracts.
Often, yes. Annual reporting is typically required even if there was no income or activity. If you’re no longer doing business, consider dissolving the LLC instead of skipping filings.
No. The annual report is a state record update (business information maintenance). Your federal tax return is separate and depends on your LLC’s tax classification.
In many cases, yes. If your business information hasn’t changed, the portal may allow a “no change” annual report so you can submit quickly while staying compliant.
