Landscaping Business 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 Pesticide Applicator License

   If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in Montana, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

   Official government source

   $50–$200 (exam and license)·2–4 weeks

   $50–$200 (exam and license)

   2–4 weeks

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. Montana DLI Construction Contractor Registration + Billings business license

   There is no separate City of Billings or Yellowstone County contractor registration for landscapers. A landscaping business with employees must hold the Montana Department of Labor & Industry construction contractor registration (becoming a DLI construction contractor license January 1, 2026 under MCA Title 37, ch. 45; solo operators may use an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate), and any business operating in Billings needs the city business license.

   Official government source

   State DLI construction contractor registration/license fee (see erd.dli.mt.gov) plus the Billings city business license (annual business tax)·1–3 weeks

   State DLI construction contractor registration/license fee (see erd.dli.mt.gov) plus the Billings city business license (annual business tax)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Billings City Clerk
• Montana — No Sales Tax

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