Montana Business License

Montana Business License

Information on Running A Montana Small Business

Are you in the planning stages for starting a business in Montana? If so, you'll want to check out the official state website, which contains a comprehensive "Business Information" section. Here you can learn more about Business Development and the Montana SBDC. You can find out all the details you need for creating and managing a business in the state.

There's no shortage of information available online. You can begin your research to decide which form is best for your corporate formation. You may also learn about all the unique requirements for your particular industry.

Get A Single Or Even Multiple Licenses For Your Business

You may run individual Montana businesses without a license; however, others will require multiple licenses and permits. To learn more about the Montana state-issued business licenses, check out the "Licenses" section on the official government web portal. That part of their site has everything, from A to Z, when it comes to permits.

Individual cities and localities may have special requirements for licenses. Prime examples are Missoula and Billings, which both require businesses to get permission. You can always discover more by visiting the website of the clerk of court's office in the jurisdictional city.

File The Right Records For Your Business Form

Some companies will need more permits or licenses. For example, all LLCs, partnerships, and corporations have to file their initial formation records with the office of the Secretary of State. It's crucial to find out about which specific filings will keep your company compliant. You will be able to learn about these subjects with a visit to the Montana Secretary Of State website.

Get Your Professional License

Many professions and occupations require state licensing in Montana. Industries from accountants, through lawyers and doctors, will need special permission to practice their trade. The "Licenses" section has the complete list and all details, including fees, about each profession. Check to find out what you need to do to comply before registering.

It's worth researching all of the requirements for your profession. You may need to file additional paperwork or tax forms. Check with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry for any additional fees or requirements for your profession. Once you have all relevant the information in hand, you can proceed with your registration.

Register an Assumed or Fictitious Business Name

You most likely will want to use a fictitious name to refer to your business. In the state of Montana, that takes a license and registration. LLCs, partnerships, and corporations all register when they send their formation papers to the SOS. Deciding your business name will be important before you start the registration process for your business license.

Other companies may opt to add a trading name later, and they can do so by filing a DBA. These "Doing Business As" designations allow you to use extra trade names while operating your small business.

If you run a sole proprietorship, you do not need to use a fictitious name. The decision is up to you, but most owners use a company name for their customer's sake. It's probably worth giving a great deal of thought to your trading name because it will be an essential reference for the public.

Register a Trademark or Service Mark

It's also possible you'll want to register a state-specific trademark or service mark. These are different from the Federal versions and offer protection to holders in Montana. If your name brand is recognizable and you don't want competitors to use it to confuse customers, a mark is an answer.

There are many benefits to using a Montana trademark. Find out more information by visiting the website for the Secretary of State.

Conclusion

Get your business license in Montana requires many steps and includes quite a few decisions on your part. Do your research, using the resources above, and have as many of these decisions made before you start your business. This will save you time as you fill out the required registrations.

From registering your name to your trademark hopefully this article has helped you map out the process. Starting your business can be fun and exhilarating, the Chamber of Commerce is here to help your business succeed.

FAQ

It is best to first contact the Secretary Of State before you start a Montana business. The Secretary of State can assist you in identifying the necessary forms and information needed to apply for federal or state licenses. A general license is not required for every business in Montana, as only certain businesses are required to register with the state. If you're a sole proprietorship that intends to do business under your own name, you are not required to register with the Secretary of State. However, you must apply for and get the required state and local business licenses.

A business license may be required at the county or city level. A specialty license is required for certain professions, such as dentists, barbers, or chiropractors. To find out which licensing is required, contact the Professional and Occupational Licensing Bureau of the State Department of Labor and Industry at 406-841-2300.
You can also contact your local county or city online. Missoula, for example, has an online application for a business license, whereas the city of Great Falls doesn't issue business licenses for businesses within its city limits.

Other requirements may include applying for a Federal State Tax ID Number (EIN) and registering your company name through the Secretary of State. Employers must register for worker compensation, insurance, taxes, and other requirements. The Secretary of State may require you to register your business entity as well (such as limited partnership, corporation, or LLC).

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