Montana Registered Agent
What is a Montana registered agent?
A Montana registered agent is responsible for accepting documents on behalf of a business at a physical address in the state. Registered agents are required for all companies in Montana under the Montana Business Code section 35-7-114 which protects from legal consequences resulting from missed notices, process, or demands. Registered agents forward these notices to the entities they represent at the most recent address provided by the entity.
The Importance of Montana Registered Agents
A Montana registered agent is the state-appointed contact authorized to accept lawsuit mail and state notices for a company and forwards it to the intended recipient. They provide an address that the business can include on state formation documents which serves as the primary address for all sensitive documents for businesses. Some registered agents (like us!) help business growth with additional services like domain registration, web hosting, and business email.
Who Can Be a Montana Registered Agent?
The state recognizes individuals and companies in good standing with the state as registered agents, but there are a few requirements for both registered agent types:
- Must have an in-state street address that is not a P.O. Box
- Must be available at the address provided during normal business hours to accept documents
- Must provide adequate notice of incoming documents to the appointing business
- Must keep their information updated with the secretary of state
- Must forward any state documentation to businesses once appointed
Am I allowed to be my own registered agent?
Yes. It’s not uncommon for businesses to appoint an owner or employee, but this can result in missed notices and service of process if you’re not consistently available. The other major disadvantage is privacy, since anyone available at the address you provide may be served on behalf of the business. This means your family members or employees may be privy to your private legal information and creates less division between your company and personal life.
What is a commercial registered agent in Montana?
Registered agent service providers in Montana are usually referred to as commercial registered agents, and these companies usually represent several companies. Hiring a commercial registered agent usually involves signing up for service and paying an annual fee. From there, they provide contact information you can include in your business formation documents or to change your current agent on file.
Are there advantages to hiring a commercial registered agent?
Commercial registered agents also usually provide other services which benefit your business. Here’s a breakdown of why you might want to hire a commercial registered agent instead of appointing an individual:
- Professional standards. Whereas individuals may not handle mail routinely and may not have a consistent method for processing documents, commercial registered agents make the processing of mail their number one priority and dedicate time and effort to developing fast and efficient processes to keep your business up to date.
- Document handling. Few things are more embarrassing than being served at your place of business, where employees and customers are exposed to these details. Directing legal mail and correspondence offsite can keep your business reputation intact.
- Hands-off coverage. With so many daily responsibilities, individuals may not have the time to effectively manage your documents. With a commercial registered agent, you can rest assured that someone is always available to accept and process your documents.
- Address security. Commercial registered agents often provide you with an address in the state which can be used on public records to keep your address from view. Using a registered agent address can keep your details more private than a personal address tied to your name.
How do I change my registered agent in Montana?
The Montana Secretary of State allows you to change your registered agent on record using their online filing portal with a valid account. Once you’ve logged in, search for the business by name of folder ID. When you click the business name to open the record, check out the slide out action bar on the right and click “Filing Actions” before scrolling down to complete the “Registered Agent/Office Change by Entity.”
What is the cost of changing my registered agent?
This filing is free to complete online but you can expedite for an additional $20 for 24-hour processing or $100 for 1-hour processing.
Is there anything else to consider when filing?
Yes. The Montana secretary of state requires filings to be completed by a designated authorized person who can complete filings on behalf of the company. This requires a confirmation code which is issued with your formation documents. This code will be required for any filings completed on behalf of the company, so make sure you have this information before you file or hire someone to file for you.
Advantages of Hiring Registered Agents Inc
Registered Agents Inc offers trusted registered agent service to satisfy Montana requirements, but we also provide a lot more:
An office in every state
We can support your business in Montana and other states when you’re ready to make the move, so you don’t have to worry about tracking down a registered agent in each jurisdiction.
A great client experience
By developing a user-friendly client portal that guides your clients through every step of starting and maintaining their business, we alleviate any troubleshooting on your end and make your job easier.
A helpful hand with filings
You can hire us to complete most major filings in Montana with ease and we also provide free resources that allow you to navigate these filings on your own if you prefer.
An office in every state
We can support your business in Montana and other states when you’re ready to make the move, so you don’t have to worry about tracking down a registered agent in each jurisdiction.
A team of caring humans
We automate processes on the back end to free up our best minds to help you on the front end, and never the other way around. This means no chats with robots or pressing 0 to get ahold of a real live person.
We provide wholesale registered agent services for your clients at a great price, so check it out and let us build a plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a registered agent in Montana?
Registered agent service in Montana can cost between $49 to $250 annually with various features included. Our service costs $200 yearly and gives you access to additional tools you can use to boost your business, like domain registration and website hosting.
Does Montana require an annual report?
Yes. Montana LLCs and corporations are required to file annual reports online each year before April 15th. Failure to file can result in dissolution of your business. Hire us as your Montana registered agent and we’ll file your annual report for you—all you pay is the state fee.
Does Montana require a business license?
No. There’s no general license to do business in Montana. You can check out The Montana Department of Commerce Small Business Licensing Information Guide for state occupation and industry licensing requirements.
Where can I use a Registered Agent address in Montana?
This depends on your registered agent and their accepted use for the address. We allow our clients to list our address on filings to help keep their address private.
