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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says initial filing fees are officially eliminated for new businesses registered in Montana by veterans and active-duty military members.
Effective today, Veterans Day, Secretary Jacobsen is waiving the initial filing fee for new Montana businesses registered by U.S. veterans and active-duty military service members. She announced the news during a Veterans Day celebration in East Helena, where she and members of the Secretary of State’s Office staff took part in the event and parade.
“There is no true way to give back to the Montana veterans and military members who answer the call to serve our state and nation, but we’re honored to provide this fee waiver as a thank you for their service,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “We want to make it easier for these dedicated men and women to turn their ideas into successful Montana businesses that can thrive in their communities.”
Under the permanent waiver, the initial filing fee for a new domestic limited liability company (Domestic LLC) or new assumed business name (ABN/DBA) registered by a U.S. veteran or active-duty military service member is waived.
By eliminating yet another fee for Montana business owners, Secretary Jacobsen continues her commitment to making it easier to do business in the Treasure State. During her first term, she cut registration fees in half for new Montana businesses, leading to Montana’s business registration fees being the lowest in the nation. That reduction has saved Montana businesses more than $6 million. Secretary Jacobsen has also waived the annual report filing fee for all Montana businesses since 2024, saving them more than $15 million.
Secretary Jacobsen has also prioritized improving services and efficiencies for businesses across the state, including providing 24/7 access to filing and accessing documents online. Montana has set a record for new business creation every year under her leadership, including a record 76,800 new registrations in 2025.
“From day one, my promise to Montana businesses was to remove red tape and bureaucracy so they could focus on day-to-day operations and growth,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I’m excited that we have extended this focus to our military members and veterans and ask Montanans to join me in thanking them for their service.”
Veterans and active-duty military members interested in registering their Montana business can learn more at https://sosmt.gov/business/.