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CONGRATULATIONS!
Starting a new business is very exciting and can be very stressful
if you're not sure where to begin. There are 8 steps to
launching a
new business.
 
Step One: Determine Your
Business Structure
Step Two: Reserve a
Business Name
Step Three: File
Organizational Documents
Step Four: Apply for
Tax Id Numbers
Step Five: Apply for
Professional Licenses
Step Six: Apply for
Local Licenses
Step Seven: Apply for
Worker's Compensation
Step Eight: File an
Annual Report
Please also review the
Montana Business Requirements
to ease your stress. Other
helpful links are also
available should you have more questions! And of course, feel free
to
contact our office for additional assistance.
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Montana Business Requirements |
 The Structure of Your Montana-based Business:
Each of these business structures has certain advantages and
disadvantages. They should be weighed to reflect your specific
circumstances, goals, and needs.
Sole proprietorship
Corporation
Partnership
Limited Liability (LLC)
Contact an attorney and an accountant. Owning a business is a large
responsibility and as a business owner, you need to make sure your
business is in compliance with the below agencies.
Business Name:
To register a business, file a trademark or trade name, you need to
contact the
Secretary of State office:
State Capitol,
Helena, Montana 59620. Phone:
406-444-2034.
Click here for the form.
Business License:
Montana does not issue general business licenses! Apply for
Professional Licenses as necessary. The State of Montana requires
that certain professions be licensed (i.e. plumber, electrician). To
determine if you need to obtain a professional license, contact:
Department of Labor,
Professional and Occupational Licensing Bureau. Phone:
406-841-2300.
Apply for a Tax Identification Number:
The Internal Revenue Service requires that each business have a tax
identification number. To obtain information on receiving a tax
identification number, call
1-800-829-1040 or 1-800-829-3676. You can also visit:
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
Identify State Tax Requirements:
For information on state taxes and unemployment insurance, contact:
Department of Revenue,
Mitchell Building,
Helena, Montana 59620. Phone:
1-800-550-1513 or 406-444-6900. Also visit:
http://mt.gov/revenue/forbusinesses/taxeslicensesfeespermits.asp
Register for Workers Compensation Insurance:
All businesses which have employees must carry this insurance to
cover on the job injuries. Contact a private insurer or the
Montana State Fund,
P.O. Box 4759,
Helena, Montana 59604-4759. Phone:
1-800-332-6102 or 406-444-6500.
You can register online at:
www.montanastatefund.com
Federal Business Tax Forms:
Visit:
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
Local Licensing Requirements:
Requirements change from time to time.
Always contact City Hall for updates. Presently, the Cities of
Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Libby require a city license.
Kalispell: 406-758-7700
Columbia Falls: 406-892-4340
Whitefish: 406-863-2400
Polson: 406-883-8200
County Licensing Requirements:
County requirements can vary. Contact County Clerk's Offices at the
following locations:
Flathead: 406-758-5688
Lincoln: 406-293-7781
Lake: 406-883-7208
Flathead County only issues licenses of a temporary nature (a week
at a time) to temporary businesses outside the city limits.
Zoning and Building Permits:
Check with appropriate city or county
zoning office to make certain that the use proposed for the building
is approved.
Flathead County: 406-751-8200
Tri City Planning: 406-751-1850
Kalispell Zoning: 406-758-7739
Whitefish Zoning: 406-863-2410
Polson Planning: 406-883-8214
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New Businesses
