Fitness Studio Permit Requirements in Great Falls, 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 Health Club Registration (if applicable)

   Montana has no identified state registration requirement specific to fitness studios or health clubs. Membership contracts are subject to Montana's general consumer-protection law (Montana Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection). No state registration fee applies.

   None identified (no Montana state health-club registration requirement found)·2–4 weeks

   None identified (no Montana state health-club registration requirement found)

   2–4 weeks

1. City of Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue)

   Great Falls requires a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) for each commercial business located within city limits, processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue under Title 5 of the City Code (406-727-8070). The fee is based on the square footage of the premises, and the process includes a fire/safety inspection. Home-based businesses instead obtain a Home Occupation Certificate, and businesses located outside city limits that work in the city need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate. Renewals are due by the end of the calendar year.

   Official government source

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)·1–3 weeks

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)

   1–3 weeks

2. Cascade County / Great Falls Certificate of Occupancy — Assembly Use

   Fitness studios must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy with an assembly or fitness use classification from the local building department. Fire suppression, emergency exits, and occupancy limits will be inspected.

   Official government source

   Fire/safety review is part of the city Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate, $300+ new by square footage); building-permit fees for build-out vary by project·2–6 weeks

   Fire/safety review is part of the city Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate, $300+ new by square footage); building-permit fees for build-out vary by project

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Great Falls City Clerk
• Montana — No Sales Tax

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