The Structure of Your 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.

Register a business, file a trademark or trade name,
Secretary of State You can register on on-line at:
State Capitol
Helena, MT 59620
406-444-2034
www.sos.mt.gov

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 www.mt.gov/dli/bsd/
Professional and Occupational Licensing Bureau
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.
www.irs.gov/businesses/small

Identify state tax requirements
(state taxes and unemployment insurance)
Department of Revenue
Mitchell Building
Helena, MT 59620
1-800-550-1513 or 406-444-6900
www.mt.gov/revenue

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
Montana State Fund
P.O. Box 4759
Helena, MT 59604-4759
1-800-332-6102 or 406-444-6500
You can register on line at:
www.montanastatefund.com/

Federal Business Tax Forms: 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

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