State guide · rules version 2026.08
Starting a nonprofit in Montana
Everything below is generated from the same Montana rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Articles of Incorporation for Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
- Agency
- Montana Secretary of State
- State fee
- $20 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- 5–10 business days standard; filings are submitted online
- Expedite
- $20 for 24-hour priority handling; $100 for 1-hour handling
- Watch out
- Montana filings go through the Secretary of State's online portal — there is no mail-in option for routine business filings.
- The state's standard articles template does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — they must be added as additional provisions before filing.
- Choose public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious corporation type at filing; 501(c)(3) applicants are almost always public benefit.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Must have a Montana street address (individual resident or registered commercial agent); a P.O. box alone is not enough.
- Charitable registration
- Montana has no charitable solicitation registration requirement for nonprofits soliciting donations.
- Annual report
- Annually, due April 15 — $20 (filed online)
- State tax exemption
- Montana has no general sales tax. For corporate income tax exemption, file an exemption application (Form EXPT) with the Montana Department of Revenue along with the IRS determination letter.
Or let the checklist do this for you
Your guided journey sequences every Montana step — with the federal track (EIN, bylaws, Form 1023) woven in at the right moments. From $499 flat.