-
There are many steps to consider when establishing a business. The Secretary of State’s Business Services Division is pleased to provide the following checklist to help ensure your business meets statutory and regulatory compliance in Montana. The list may not be inclusive of all the requirements you will need to fulfill for your business. It is recommended that you seek appropriate legal and/or financial advice before making important business decisions.
8-Step Guide for Launching a New Business
- Determine Your Business Structure
A list of organizational structures is provided at www.sos.mt.gov/Business/Startup.
It is recommended that you consult with an attorney, accountant, and/orfinancial advisor to help determine which business structure is right for you. - Reserve a Business Name
You can reserve a business name for up to 120 days while you prepare to file your organizational documents. You cannot transact business or conduct affairs with a name reservation. Skip this step if you are ready to file organizational documents. - File Organizational Documents
Depending on the type of structure you have chosen, you will need to file the appropriate business forms with the Secretary of State’s Office. The office provides all the necessary forms online at www.sos.mt.gov/Business/Forms. - Apply for Tax ID Numbers
The Internal Revenue Service requires federal tax identification numbers for partnerships, corporations and businesses that hire employees. To obtain a federal tax ID number, call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-4933. - Apply for Professional Licenses
Montana law requires licensing for some professions. To determine whether you need a business or occupational license, contact the MT Department of Labor and Industry at (406) 841-2333. - Apply for Local Licenses
Every city and county has specific requirements for doing business within its jurisdiction. Call or visit your county courthouse or city office to learn more about the requirements in your area. Whitefish City Code (Including Business & License Regulations)
http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=623 - Apply for Workers’ Compensation
If you plan to hire employees, you are required to provide insurance coverage under Workers’ Compensation Laws. This information is available from the MT Department of Labor and Industry at (406) 444-6532. - File an Annual Report
Corporations and Limited Liability Companies are required by law to file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State’s Office. If you fail to file the Annual Report with the accompanying fee each year, your company can be involuntarily dissolved.
------------------------------------------------
For more information, please contact:
Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch
Business Services Division
Telephone: (406) 444-3665
Fax: (406) 444-3976
TTY: (406) 444-9068
www.sos.mt.gov/Business - Determine Your Business Structure