Montana Business Licensing Center

Important Points:

• A state business license is required for certain types of businesses in Montana.
  • Visit the Montana Department of Revenue’s One Stop Business Licensing Center to determine whether your business needs a state license.
• Some city or county governments require a local business license.
• If you are a sole proprietorship and will conduct business under your own name, you don’t need to register your business entity with the Secretary of State's office.
  • If you are not conducting business under your own name, you need to file an Application for Registration or Renewal of Assumed Business Name with the Secretary of State's office.

How to Get a Business License in Montana:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact Internal Revenue Service to get an Employer ID Number (EIN), and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• Contact the Secretary of State for information, forms and to register your business entity. See the guide for How to Launch a New Business with the Secretary of State for additional help.
• Check to see if you need a Montana business license and apply online at the One-Stop Business Licensing Center.
• Contact your city or county government for requirements and an application for your local business licenses.

Montana State Sales Tax:

• Montana has no sales tax at state or local levels.

Useful links:

• Business Permits and Licenses
• Online Business Forms
• Business Name Registration Form (PDF)
• Taxes, Licenses, Fees and Permits
• SBA Montana
• Montana SBDC
• Montana Secretary of State
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business