Montana Secretary of State
How Much Does a Corporation Cost in Montana?
Forming a corporation in Montana means filing the Articles of Incorporation with the Montana Secretary of State. The calculator below separates official government fees from estimates, and fixed costs from variable ones.
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a state entity type — both LLCs and corporations may qualify for it.
First-year government fees — Montana Corporation
$35
First-year government fees for a Montana Corporation: $35
Official state fees
Ongoing fixed fees
≈ $20/yr annualized for comparison — actual payment schedule shown above.
Five-year outlook
Educational estimate based on official fee schedules verified July 12, 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Fees, rules, and processing times change; confirm with the state or a qualified professional before relying on them.
The numbers behind this page
Every figure comes from the typed data record for Montana, verified July 12, 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation filing fee | $35 | One-time | Official state fee |
† Partially verified — corroborated but not confirmed on a machine-readable official page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual report fee Free if filed by a certain early-year date in some years; $15 late fee after April 15. | $20 | AnnualDue by April 15 each year, beginning the year after formation | Official state fee |
† Partially verified — corroborated but not confirmed on a machine-readable official page.
Filing process & processing times
File online through the Secretary of State's portal — Montana business filings are online-only.
| Option | Typical turnaround | Added fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 0–1 business days | None | Online filings are typically processed immediately |
Processing times are estimates based on currently available official guidance and change with filing volume — they are not guaranteed.
Registered agent costs
Every Montana Corporationmust continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Acting as your own agent costs $0 where you meet the state's eligibility rules; commercial services typically run $100–$300 per year. The calculator uses $200 — the midpoint of that range — when you choose a hired service.
Midpoint of the typical advertised price range for national commercial registered-agent services as of July 2026 (e.g. Northwest Registered Agent $125/yr, ZenBusiness $199/yr, LegalZoom $249/yr). Budget providers advertise below this range and premium corporate-service firms above it. Serving as your own agent costs $0 where you meet state eligibility rules.
Worth knowing about Montana
- Montana's $35 formation fee is the lowest in the country, and the state has no general sales tax.
Montana Corporation cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start a corporation in Montana?
The Montana Secretary of State charges $35 to file the Articles of Incorporation. That figure excludes optional services and any variable taxes, which depend on your circumstances.
What are the ongoing costs of a corporation in Montana?
Montana corporations generally must pay the annual report fee of $20 per year (due by April 15 each year, beginning the year after formation).
How long does it take to form a corporation in Montana?
Online filings are often processed the same day. Montana does not currently offer a paid expedited tier for this filing. Processing times change with filing volume, so confirm current turnaround with the state before relying on a date.
Do I need a registered agent for a corporation in Montana?
Yes. Every Montana corporation must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can generally act as your own agent at no cost if you meet the state's eligibility rules, or hire a commercial service — typically $100–$300 per year. Whether serving as your own agent is practical depends on your circumstances, including privacy and availability during business hours.
When is the Montana annual report fee due?
Due by April 15 each year, beginning the year after formation. Free if filed by a certain early-year date in some years; $15 late fee after April 15. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees or administrative dissolution, so put the date on your compliance calendar.
What this page doesn't cover
- Federal, state, and local taxes beyond the fixed fees shown — income-dependent taxes are listed as variable obligations and never included in exact totals.
- Business licenses, local permits, industry-specific registrations, and DBA filings.
- Attorney, accountant, or filing-service fees beyond the labeled registered-agent estimate.
- Whether a corporation — or Montana — is the right choice for your situation. FormedIn provides general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, and nothing here recommends an entity type or formation state for any specific person.
Fees, rules, deadlines, and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with the Montana Secretary of State and consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Sources
Montana data last verified July 12, 2026.
- Business Services — Fees— Montana Secretary of StateOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost? 2026 Guide— RegisteredAgentCost.comaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?— ZenBusinessaccessed July 12, 2026
Keep going
- Montana LLC costs →
- Compare Montana with other states →
- What a Registered Agent Actually Does (and Being Your Own) →
- Annual Compliance Checklist by Entity Type →
- How to Choose Your Formation State (Delaware Isn't a Default) →
- LLC vs. S Corporation Election: The Basics →
- Official source: Montana Secretary of State →