How Montana compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | MT | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, 2023 | 1,132,812 | 43rd highest of 50 | 9 of 11 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023 | 64 | 47th highest of 50 | 9 of 11 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, 2023 | $64,249 | 35th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 | 2.6% | 7th lowest of 50 | 1 of 11 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, 2023 | 2.3% | 49th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| Property tax rateconfirm with the Montana legislature | 0.74% | 15th lowest of 50 | 7 of 11 |
| Deposit return window (days)confirm with the Montana legislature | 30 | tied 16th lowest of 50 | 7 of 11 |
| Eviction notice (days)confirm with the Montana legislature | 3 | tied 29th highest of 50 | 5 of 11 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set Montana apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no37 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes46 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau (2023) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2023) · Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) · Small Business Administration (2023). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources without a per-figure date — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Montana legislature.
How long you have in Montana
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 30 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 3 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 5–7 days
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week
AI Legal Insights — Montana
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
Montana operates under an at-will employment doctrine, meaning employment can generally be terminated by either party at any time for any lawful reason. The state's legal framework is characterized by a flat income tax structure and a lack of state-level sales tax, which simplifies many regulatory compliance requirements.
With a low unemployment rate of 2.6% and no state sales tax, Montana offers a competitive environment for small businesses. The state supports entrepreneurship with a relatively low LLC filing fee of $70 and a robust community of approximately 112,000 small businesses.
The foreign-born population in Montana is relatively small, accounting for approximately 2.3% of the total population. This demographic profile suggests a stable but low-diversity labor market compared to coastal states.
- ›Ensure all employment agreements clearly outline at-will status to avoid ambiguity under state law.
- ›Include specific clauses regarding property tax assessments if real estate is part of the contract.
- ›Verify compliance with Montana's specific business filing requirements to maintain good standing.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
Montana labor regulations
Montana is notable for being the only state in the continental US that does not allow at-will employment without cause after a probationary period — the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (WDEA) requires just cause for dismissal after the probationary period. Minimum wage is $10.30/hr (2024). Montana has no paid sick leave or paid family leave mandates. Workers' compensation is mandatory for all employers.
| Law | MT Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $10.30/hr (2024); CPI-indexed annually | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | No state mandate | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No state program | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for all employers; self-insurance permitted with state approval | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Modified at-will: just cause required after probationary period (WDEA) | Default nationwide (at-will) |
| Final Paycheck | Immediately upon discharge; within 3 days if employee resigns | Next regular payday |
| Meal Breaks | No general state requirement for adults; minors under 16 must have a 30-min break after 5 hrs | No federal requirement |
- Montana's Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (WDEA) is unique nationally — after the probationary period, employers must have just cause to terminate. This significantly limits at-will employment.
- WDEA remedies are the exclusive remedy for wrongful discharge, replacing common law tort claims.
- Montana Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, and marital status.
- Montana requires final paychecks immediately upon discharge and within 3 business days for voluntary resignation.
- Montana does not have a state WARN Act — only the federal WARN Act (100+ employees) applies.
- Non-compete agreements are disfavored in Montana and subject to strict judicial scrutiny; courts frequently decline to enforce broad non-compete clauses.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor · NCSL 2025 · State labor agency
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Montana rental regulations
Montana landlord-tenant law is governed by the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. There is no statutory cap on security deposits, but they must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list. Montana has no statewide rent control. Evictions for non-payment require a 3-day notice. Montana's low population density means eviction courts are generally efficient.
| Topic | MT Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | No statutory cap; must be returned within 30 days of termination; written itemization required for deductions |
| Deposit Return | Within 30 days; if landlord withholds any amount, must provide written itemization within that period |
| Rent Control | No statewide rent control; no municipalities have enacted rent control |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate before filing eviction in justice court or district court |
| Habitability | Landlord must maintain fit and habitable premises; tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent after notice |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlord may not retaliate against tenant for complaining about habitability or reporting code violations |
| Late Fee | Permitted if specified in the lease; no statutory cap |
| Entry Notice | 24-hour advance written notice required except in emergencies |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under Montana law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
Montana LLC formation guide
Montana has no state sales tax — a significant advantage for retail and consumer-facing businesses. LLC formation costs just $70 with a $15 annual report. Montana's growing technology and outdoor recreation sectors, combined with a rapidly expanding Bozeman tech corridor, offer strong entrepreneurial opportunities. The state's stunning natural environment and growing remote-worker population are attracting new businesses.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability at sos.mt.gov
- 2File Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State online at sos.mt.gov/business
- 3Pay the $70 LLC formation fee
- 4Designate a registered agent — must have a physical Montana street address (no P.O. boxes)
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov; required for banking, hiring, and state tax registration
- 6Register for Montana taxes through the Montana Department of Revenue at mtrevenue.gov — includes employer withholding, income tax, and any applicable business taxes (no sales tax to register for)
- 7File the annual report each year — $15 fee at sos.mt.gov (due April 15)
- 8Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed Articles of Organization
- 9Note: Montana has NO state sales tax — businesses selling goods and services to Montana residents do not need to collect or remit state sales tax
- 10Check local business licenses and zoning requirements with your city or county
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for Montana taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in Montana
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Immigration appointments via my.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
Free Legal Aid
Montana legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying Montana residents.
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