Preparing to File Your 2026 Montana Annual Report for Your Montana LLC or Corporation: A Practical Checklist

If you own a Montana LLC or corporation, or have an LLC in another state but are registered to do business in Montana, you are required to file an annual report every year, between January 1 and April 15^th, 2026.  Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobson has announced that as has been the case in past years, the fee for filing your annual report is again waived in 2026. Filing your businesses’ annual report is one of the most important compliance obligations of the year. The annual report confirms that your business information on file with the Montana Secretary of State is accurate and current.

Failing to prepare — or assuming “nothing has changed” — is one of the most common reasons businesses face late fees, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.

This checklist will help you prepare before filing season opens, especially by reviewing whether anything has changed since your 2025 annual report or initial registration.

When Is the Montana Annual Report Due?

Montana annual report filing opens January and are due each year by April 15. Filing early helps avoid last-minute errors and missed deadlines.

2026 Montana Annual Report Preparation Checklist

✅ 1. Review Your Business Name and Entity Type

You can visit the Montana Secretary of State’s website and search your businesses name to see what information is shown on file with the state. Confirm that:

• Your LLC or corporation name is spelled correctly

• You are still operating under the same legal entity

• No amendments or conversions occurred in 2025 that require updates

  
  

✅ 2. Confirm Your Registered Agent Information

Ask yourself:

• Is your registered agent still correct?

Montana requires a physical Montana address for registered agents — P.O. boxes do not qualify. Incorrect agent information can result in missed service of process or state notices being forwarded to you by your Montana registered agent.

✅ 3. Review Your Principal and Mailing Addresses

Check whether:

• Your business address changed in 2025

• You moved offices or switched to remote operations

• Your mailing address is still reliable for official notices

  
  

✅ 4. Confirm Owners, Members, Officers, or Managers

Compare your 2025 filing with your current structure:

• Have members joined or left an LLC?

• Have corporate officers or directors changed?

  
  

✅ 5. Verify Contact Information

Ensure the following are current:

• Business email address

• Phone number

• Authorized signer information

This helps ensure the state — and your registered agent — can reach you quickly if issues arise.

✅ 6. Review Foreign Entity Status (If Applicable)

If your business is formed outside Montana:

• Confirm you are still actively registered as a foreign entity

• Ensure your Montana registered agent appointment is current

• Verify no lapse occurred during 2025

Foreign entities are subject to the same annual report requirements as Montana-formed businesses.

✅ 7. Decide Whether You Want Help Filing

Many business owners prefer not to handle filings themselves. Using a registered agent service that:

• Tracks deadlines

• Files on your behalf

• Confirms acceptance

• Forwards important mail and notices

…can reduce compliance stress and prevent costly mistakes. For more information about the services Krautter’s Registered Agent, LLC can provide for your business, view our plans here.