How to Launch a New Business

Small businesses are critical to the economic vitality and stability of the Montana economy. The Secretary of State's Office is here to serve you as you launch your new business venture.

Step One: Determine Your Business Structure

The first decision you need to make as you launch your business is what kind of organizational structure it should have. Should it be a sole proprietorship? A partnership? A corporation? The answers to these questions should be based on several factors:

The degree of control you want to have over the business.
The degree of formal organization you need.
The need to protect against liability for business actions.
The ability to attract investors.
Tax considerations for both you and your investors (if any).

While it is not necessary to engage an attorney to file business documents, we strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney, accountant, financial adviser, and/or banker to help you determine which business structure is most suitable for you.

Click organizational structures for more information.

Step Two: Reserve a Business Name (optional)

Once you have selected a name for your business, you need to find out whether you can use it. Under state law, you may not adopt a business name that is the same as or indistinguishable from that of another business. To find out whether a business name may be available, call the Business Services Bureau of the Secretary of State's Office, (406) 444-3665. The reservation is effective for 120 days and cannot be renewed.

Reserving a name is necessary only if you are not yet prepared to file the organizational documents discussed in Step Three. You can reserve a name for 120 days as you set up your business.

Specifically, you need to file the Application for Reservation of a Business Name and pay a $10 filing fee. The form requires that you list the name, type, and location of your business, as well as the date you intend to start business. When you have completed the form, return it to the Secretary of State's Office with the filing fee.

You do not need to submit an Application for Reservation of a Business Name unless you need extra time to prepare and submit your documents of organization. You can simply list your business name on your organizational documents and avoid the $10 filing fee associated with reserving a name.

It is a good idea to wait to order stationery, forms, business cards, and advertising until you get final approval that your documents have been filed and your business name is approved.

Step Three: File Organizational Documents

Depending on the type of organizational structure you have chosen, you will need to file:

An Application for Registration of an Assumed Business Name. File this form with the Secretary of State if you plan to start a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or association. Once approval is given, your business name will be registered with the state for five years.
A Certificate of Limited Partnership. Both domestic and foreign limited partnerships must file in order to do business in Montana.
Registration of Limited Liability Partnership.
Articles of Incorporation. These are required of corporations or individuals who wish to do business in Montana through a corporation. Nonprofit corporations must also file Articles of Incorporation.
Articles of Organization. File these with the Secretary of State's Office if you want to form a limited liability company.

Step Four: Apply for Tax ID Numbers

The Internal Revenue Service requires every business who hires employees, or is a partnership or corporation have a federal tax identification number. To obtain one, call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-4933.

To apply for a state withholding tax ID number contact Department of Revenue at (406) 444-6900.

To apply for a state unemployment insurance tax ID number contact the Montana Department of Labor and Industry at (406) 444-3834.

Step Five: Apply for Professional Licenses

Under state law, some professions -- such as architects, barbers, chiropractors, and dentists -- must be licensed. To determine whether you need a professional license, contact the Business and Occupational Licensing Bureau of the state Department of Labor and Industry at (406) 841-2333.

Step Six: Apply for Local Licenses

Every city and county has specific requirements about doing business within its jurisdiction. Call or visit your county courthouse or city offices to find out what particular requirements exist in your area.

Step Seven: Apply for Workers' Compensation

If you are planning to hire employees, find out what kind of insurance coverage you are required to provide under state Workers' Compensation laws. You can get this information from Montana State Fund at (406) 444-6500 and the state Department of Labor and Industry.

If you have questions on workers' compensation please contact the Department of Labor (406) 444-6532.

Step Eight: File an Annual Report

If you have a corporation or limited liability company, you must file an Annual Report to stay in good standing with the Secretary of State's Office. The report is due each year by April 15 and must be accompanied by a $15 filing fee. Businesses that file after that date will be charged a penalty.

If you have a Montana corporation or limited liability company and fail to file an Annual Report by December 1, your company will be involuntarily dissolved. You will have the option of filing an Application for Reinstatement for up to five years after dissolution.

If you have a foreign corporation or limited liability company (located outside Montana), you must file your Annual Report by November 1 or your Certificate of Authority will be involuntarily revoked with no possibility of reinstatement. You would need to register again to do business in Montana.

Throughout the life of your business, it may become necessary to change your business name, ownership information, registered agent, or registered address, or to amend your articles, or to merge with another entity. It is very important that you notify the Secretary of State's Office of any changes. You can get forms and fee information from the Business Services Bureau, (406) 444-3665.

In your Annual Report, you can report changes in your principal officers or directors, as well as information about shareholders. However, if you need to remove a member from a Montana limited liability company, you must file a Statement of Dissociation.

How to Launch a New Business