Any person wants to start a business as a sole proprietorship in Montana or use an additional name under a corporation or a Limited Liability Company is required to register an assumed name with the Montana Secretary of State. It is not a separate entity like corporations and LLCs.
Requirement to open an Assumed Business Name in Montana
- The ABN must not be an identical name is already registered with the Secretary of State Montana.
- Application for assumed business name registration must be filed with the Secretary of State along with the filing fee.
- It can be filed online or a paper application
- You are not required to register a business name if you are using your legal name. It is only required, if you are using a business name to advertise your business.
- Please be aware that all filings with this office are public records, and are available upon request via the Secretary of State's website.
- Sole proprietorship is the simplest form of doing business.
Renewal of Montana Assumed Business Name
The validity of State of Montana dba is five years and you can file for renewal dba up to 90 days prior to the date of expiration. You have to file a new dba, if you are making any changes in the original.
Application Processing Time
Estimated processing time to register ABN is 3-5 business days.
Other Requirement to transact business in Montana
- You many need to get an Employer Identification Number to hire employees, otherwise it is not required for the sole proprietorship structure.
- Business license and permit may be required to start business in the state of Montana and we advise you to consult a professional or the secretary of state.
Filing Taxes
Sole Proprietorship is required to report business activities on Form 1040 end of the year.
