Business License Guide
For All Businesses
Business Information Guide
The Secretary of State's office is a good first point-of-contact for all businesses. The office will provide you with information, forms and contact information for both State and Federal offices. Click on the underlined words to go to that website.
If you are a sole proprietorship and plan to conduct business under your own name, you do not need to register your business with the Secretary of State's office. A sole proprietor is a business owned personally by one owner. If you plan to start a business under this structure and you are not planning to do business under your own name, you must file an Application for Registration or Renewal of Assumed Business Name with the Secretary of State's office. Otherwise, no registration is required. You must obtain any necessary state and local business licenses. Visit Organizational Structures for additional information.
Licensing or Registering a Business
The State of Montana does not require that all businesses hold a general business license. However, there are certain types of businesses that are required to register and be licensed by the state. Please visit the Montana Department of Revenue, (406-444-6900) One Stop Business Licensing to determine whether your business requires a license.
Attention: Some city/county governments require a local business license. Check with your local government offices.
Secretary of State - 406-444-3665
How to Launch a New Business with the Secretary of State
- To Apply For A State or Federal Employer ID Number (EIN)
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- For State Regulatory Information and Business Licensing by Business Type
- To Register a Consumer Complaint
- Montana Patent Depository
- To register a US Patent or Trademark
- To register a US Copyright
- For Employer Information - Insurance, Taxes, Workers Compensation, etc.
- Other Useful Links - BBB, Federal Consumer Information Center, SBA, IRS, etc.
- Assumed Business Names - To register a new business name
- Limited Partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
- Limited Liability Companies
- Nonprofit & For-profit Corporations
- Trademarks - Montana only
- Miscellaneous
Tax Exemption Number Information
The State of Montana has No Sales Tax. Therefore, the state does not provide a sales tax exemption number. Vendors are often asked for their sales tax exemption number when ordering products from manufacturers or out-of-state wholesalers. Since Montana does not provide a sales tax exemption number we suggest that you use the one number that is unique to your business, either your Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). The license number can be used as proof that you are in business when ordering supplies. If you have further questions, contact the Department of Revenue 406-444-6900.
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
