Montana Payroll Tax Registration

Jan 22, 2026

As an employer in Montana, it is important to understand the process of payroll tax registration. Registering for payroll taxes with the Montana Department of Revenue ensures compliance with state tax laws and allows you to withhold and remit taxes on behalf of your employees.

Zero payroll penalties, zero distractions.

How Montana Payroll Registration Works

There are 2 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in Montana to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the Montana agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Montana Withholding Tax Setup for PLLC, Professional Corporation, LLP, LLC, Corporation

If you have employees in Montana, you must register for a withholding tax account online with the Department of Revenue.

  1. Register for a Withholding Tax Account

    Visit the TransAction Portal, select “Register for a New Tax Account” under Businesses, and on the next screen, select "Register for a New Tax Account" to set up a withholding tax account.

  2. Add Withholding Information to Your Payroll Provider

    After receiving your account number and withholding schedule, add them to your payroll provider.

Montana Unemployment Insurance Setup for PLLC, Professional Corporation, LLP, LLC, Corporation

If you have employees in Montana and your total annual payroll equals $1,000 or more, you must register for an Unemployment Insurance tax account with the Department of Labor & Industry. New employers are assigned the average contribution rate of employers classified in their industry. Note: During the registration process, 501(c)(3) organizations will have the choice to either pay unemployment contributions on taxable wages each quarter or elect to reimburse the Montana Unemployment Trust Fund for benefits paid to current or former employees. Organizations who elect the reimbursable payment method are still required to pay the Administrative Fund Tax (AFT) and file quarterly wage reports.

  1. Apply for an Unemployment Insurance Account

    Visit the UI eServices for Employers and select "Register a New UI Account" to apply for an Unemployment Insurance Tax account.

  2. Create an eServices Online Account

    Create an eServices online account to access online services for your Unemployment Insurance tax account.

  3. Add Unemployment Tax to your Payroll Provider

    Once you have your Employer Account Number and Unemployment Insurance tax rate, add them to your payroll provider.

Montana's Payroll Registration Agencies

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

How To Start an LLC in California

If you’re considering establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in California, there are several key pieces of information you need to know before embarking on this journey. This guide is tailored to offer you a clear roadmap so that you can navigate the process with confidence and ease. If you’re ready to get your entrepreneurial dreams off the ground, let’s get started. What Is an LLC? An LLC, or limited liability company, is a popular business structure. You’re protected from liability like a corporation, and you also enjoy the simplicity that comes with a sole proprietorship. It’s a flexible option for small to medium-sized businesses, allowing owners, known as members, to benefit from both operational flexibility and reduced personal liability.

Kaitlin Edwards | Jan 23, 2024

New California Minimum Wage Laws: Employer’s Guide

California employers face a multi-billion dollar question in 2025. The estimated annual cost of the new California minimum wage is massive and rippling across the state. And if you’re operating in multiple jurisdictions, your compliance complexity just multiplied exponentially. The statewide minimum wage hit $16.50 per hour on January 1, 2025, but that’s just the baseline. Factor in industry-specific rates reaching $24 per hour, plus over 30 cities and counties with their own requirements, and you’re looking at a compliance maze that can trigger significant penalties per employee per pay period for mistakes.

Paul Boynton | Aug 8, 2025

What Is a Statutory Employee? Criteria and Compliance Explained

When it comes to classifying workers, there’s more than meets the eye. Beyond the familiar categories of employees and independent contractors, there’s a third type you need to know: statutory employees. These workers are unique because they’re technically considered independent contractors, but certain laws require you to treat them as employees for tax purposes. Understanding who qualifies as a statutory employee is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding legal headaches.

Kaitlin Edwards | Aug 21, 2024

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.