Get an EIN for your Montana business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Montana business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the Montana Department of Revenue via the Withholding registration (no state sales tax).
Montanan EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Montana revenue agency | Montana Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | Withholding registration (no state sales tax) |
| Sales tax permit needed? | No state sales tax. Skip. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in Montana: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Montanan LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Montana or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the Montana Department of Revenue. Use the Withholding registration (no state sales tax) to get your state-level tax accounts in Montana.
- Open a business bank account. Montana banks commonly used include First Interstate, Stockman, Glacier.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Montanan EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Montana Department of Revenue. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Montanan EINMontana state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Montana, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Montana Department of Revenue using Withholding registration (no state sales tax).
- Sales tax permit: No state sales tax. Skip. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in Montana.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Montanan EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Montana?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges $0 service fee whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate Montana state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Montana Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via Withholding registration (no state sales tax) for businesses operating in Montana.
Can I use my EIN to open a Montana business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Montana banks commonly used include First Interstate, Stockman, Glacier.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.