Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Billings, MT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Montana — No Sales Tax

   Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

   Official government source

   Free (business registration)·Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

2. Montana DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

   Auto repair shops in Montana must comply with Montana DEQ used oil and hazardous waste rules. Proper storage and recycling of used oil and automotive fluids is required.

   Official government source

   Varies·2–4 weeks (registration)

   Varies

   2–4 weeks (registration)

1. City of Billings — Business License (Finance Department)

   Billings requires a business license for any business activity conducted within the city — including home-based businesses and businesses located outside city limits that do business in Billings. The license documents payment of the city's annual business tax and is administered by the Finance Department. It is valid for one year from the month of issuance and must be renewed annually; a separate license is required for each business type and each location.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.·1–3 weeks

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.

   1–3 weeks

2. Yellowstone County / Billings Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops must be located in a properly zoned commercial or industrial district. Zoning review in Billings is handled by the joint City/County Planning Division, and a Certificate of Occupancy for a new or changed use is issued by the City of Billings Building Division before opening.

   Official government source

   Varies — zoning compliance and Certificate of Occupancy fees depend on the review and any build-out; contact the Planning Division (406-657-8247) and Building Division for current amounts·2–6 weeks

   Varies — zoning compliance and Certificate of Occupancy fees depend on the review and any build-out; contact the Planning Division (406-657-8247) and Building Division for current amounts

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Billings City Clerk
• Montana DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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