Starting a New Business
| Register a New Business | ||
| Secretary of State | Most businesses and non-profits are required to register with the Montana Secretary of State's office. | 406-444-3665 |
| Internal Revenue Service | The Internal Revenue Service requires every business who hires employees, or is a partnership or corporation have a federal tax identification number (aka FEIN). | 800-829-4933 |
| Hiring Employees | ||
| Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number | ||
| Internal Revenue Service | The Internal Revenue Service requires every business who hires employees, or is a partnership or corporation have a federal tax identification number (aka FEIN). | 800-829-4933 |
| Apply for a State Withholding Account Number | ||
| Department of Revenue: State Income Tax Withholding | Individuals who earn wages by performing services in Montana are liable for Montana income tax. As an employer, it is your duty by law to deduct the tax from the wages you pay. Every employer who resides in Montana and every nonresident employer who pays wages for services performed in Montana must withhold Montana income tax. | 406-444-6900 |
| Apply for an Unemployment Insurance Account | ||
| Department of Labor & Industry: Unemployment Insurance Division | Employers pay state unemployment insurance (UI) taxes. If you are an employer subject to the (UI) law, you are a "covered" employer and must pay UI taxes. | 406-444-3834 |
| Apply for a Workers Compensation Insurance Account | ||
| Montana State Fund | All businesses in Montana with employees are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. Workers comp insurance from Montana State Fund provides benefits to a worker suffering from a work-related injury or occupational disease. | 800-332-6102 |
| Report New Employees | ||
| Department of Public Health and human Services | Montana’s New Hire Reporting Law requires every Montana employer to report information on each new employee hired or rehired on or after October 1, 1997. The program allows employers to assist in the state’s efforts to locate non-custodial parents and collect child support which reduces public assistance costs. | 888-866-0327 and 406-444-9290 |
| Obtaining a Business License or Registration | ||
| General Business License | The State of Montana does not have a General Business License. However, some Counties or Cities may have licensing requirements. | |
| Contractors Registration | All incorporated construction contractors and construction contractors with employees must register. Construction contractors without employees, plumbers and electricians may register but registration is not required. | 406-444-7734 |
| Independent Contractors | Department of Labor & Industry Independent Contractor Central Unit | 406-444-9029 |
| Medical Marijuana | Department of Public Health and Human Services | 406-444-0596 or 406-444-2676 |
| One Stop License | Obtain or renew your license for Food Purveyor, Off-Premise Beer & Wine, Tobacco Retail & Wholesale, Nursery, Underground Storage Tanks, Petroleum Dealers (Meters) and Weighing Devices (Scales) | 406-444-3506 |
| Department of Public Health and Human Services: Food & Consumer Safety | Obtain license information and guidelines for retail food service, wholesale food, public accommodations, trailer courts, campgrounds, pools, spas, body art facilities and other institutions. | 406-444-2408 |
| Department of Labor & Industry Professional & Occupational Licensing | There are certain types of businesses that are required to register and be licensed by the state. The Business Standards Division listing of License Types and Board / Program Associations is a tool to help individuals discover which state, federal or local office they need to contact for professional licenses and business certifications. | 406-841-2300 |
| Montana Department of Labor & Industry Licensed Occupations List | An A-Z listing of occupations including details on the licensing requirement, applicable fees, as well as information on average wages and the employment outlook. | 800-541-3904 and 406-444-2430 |
| Reporting Business Equipment and Personal Property | ||
| Department of Revenue, Personal Property | Contact your local DOR office for the annual reporting of business equipment and other personal property. If you are a business owner, farm or ranch owner or owner of livestock you must fill out the Property Reporting Form each January. | Local Department of Revenue Office Locations |
| Department of Revenue, Livestock Per Capita Fee | Contact your local DOR office for the annual reporting of business equipment and other personal property. If you are a business owner, farm or ranch owner or owner of livestock you must fill out the Property Reporting Form each January. | Local Department of Revenue Office Locations |
| Other Resources | ||
| Small Business Development Centers | Do you need help starting a business or assistance in helping your business grow to become more profitable? The Montana Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) focus on the creation, retention and expansion of small businesses. The SBDC provides one-on-one business counseling and assistance with business plan development, financial management, market feasibility, and international trade at no cost to you. | 406-841-2747 or check their website for your local office phone number. |
| U.S. Small Business Administration | The SBA helps people start, build and grow businesses. | 800-827-5722 |
| Business.gov Tips & Advice | Resources for self-employed and home-based businesses | |
| Governor’s Office of Economic Development | Find access to the financial programs available from the state | Main Office 406-444-5634 |
Last updated 6/11/2012 2:27:24 PM