Do you want to start an LLC in Montana? The process is easier than you think. We can help you follow all the correct steps, so your business has the protection you need.
Choosing a name is one of the most important steps when creating your LLC. Your business name is the first thing your customers will see and will help define your identity. The right name can bring people in, while the wrong name can turn people away. You want a name that is:
You do NOT want a name that is too similar to other names or that contains words that may be censored.
Once you have some ideas, you can see how to create the name officially. There are rules you need to follow when choosing a name for an LLC in Montana, and we can help you secure the name that works best for you.
First, you need to make sure your name isn’t already taken. You will have to do a business entity search in the state where you intend to register your business. Don’t forget that your LLC name doesn’t necessarily have to match your regular business name.
Even if there were no rules regarding business names, you would want to have a unique name to make sure that your customers can recognize your brand. You don’t want people to confuse your business with a different one.
Legally, having the same name as another business could lead to confusion in legal matters or even trademark infringement. You don’t want your name to be misleading, either.
In what state should you register your business? If you plan to do business in several states, your choice may be based on taxes, state resources, or even personal preference. You can register your business in the state where you live, or you can choose the state where you spend more time.
According to Montana law, the name of your business is specified in your articles of organization. Because you are choosing a Limited Liability Corporation, the name must contain one of these words or phrases:
The word limited may be abbreviated in your business name as “ltd.” and company may be abbreviated as “co.”
Your LLC name must also not contain language that sounds as though it is a different kind of business.
If you are registering your business in Montana, you should use the state’s database. Even though it is a state database, you will also get results from other states. States interact with each other so much that it is important to pay attention to results in other states also.
The Montana Secretary of State maintains a website where you can search business names. You can use all the resources on the website for free, including the free forms for important tasks like registering your assumed business name and articles of incorporation for both domestic and foreign limited liability companies.
If you use a simple search, you can search by name or filing number. The state website also allows you to narrow your search by:
You can also check a box so the search engine knows that you are searching for a PID (personal identification number).
All of these choices will filter the answers for you. However, using too many filters can narrow your results too much. You can miss what you’re looking for when you narrow your search too much. If there is an inputting error, such as a misspelling or wrong date, it might make it difficult to find what you are looking for.
On the other hand, if you don’t use filters as needed, your search will be too broad. Having too many answers can be worse than having too narrow a search. Common words can get so many hits that your search results are irrelevant. This is also a good argument for choosing a unique name.
Look at your results. Are there names that are too similar? Are your search results relevant?
Again, your LLC name might not be the same as the name on your business cards and website. A business is an entity, like a person, and the assumed business name is any name besides the full, true, and correct name of a person. A “person” in Montana can be anything from an LLC to a partnership to a corporation.
The LLC name may be more formal, and you can register the name you’re “doing business as” to make it official. The form is free on the state website but filing costs $20.
How much is this going to cost you? In Montana, the charge for filing articles of organization is only $70. The state of Montana is friendly to small businesses so they provide support and keep costs low.
Once you have chosen an available name, you need to think about protecting it. Here are 3 ways you may choose to save the name you want:
Choosing the name is just one of the important steps in creating your LLC. Tailor Brands can help you with every step of the process, including filing articles of organization and choosing a registered agent who can send and receive legal paperwork on behalf of your business. Tailor Brands can also assist with permits, taxes, and registering a trademark. Please feel free to check out our services online or call today.
You need to perform the business entity search to ensure your LLC name is unique. Otherwise, your business could be confused with others and even violate trademark.
Montana maintains a website to make it easy to check your proposed business name.
It costs $70 to file articles of organization to create an LLC in Montana.
Montana makes it easy to operate under a different name with a simple form you can file.
The LLC name must have language that indicates that it is an LLC.
That can be complicated and depends on facts like who used a name first, where you are located, etc. It may be easier to give up your first choice to ensure that you have a unique name. You do not want to be found liable for a trademark violation.
This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos.
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