Landscaping Business 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 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 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. Great Falls Contractor License Verification + Montana DLI construction contractor registration

   Contractors working in Great Falls — including landscaping contractors — must complete the city's Contractor License Verification through Building and Planning, providing copies of their State of Montana licensing/registration plus insurance and bond information before issuance. A landscaping business with employees must also hold the Montana DLI construction contractor registration (a DLI construction contractor license effective January 1, 2026).

   Official government source

   City contractor license fee — contact Great Falls Building and Planning (406-455-8430); state DLI registration/license fee separate·1–3 weeks

   City contractor license fee — contact Great Falls Building and Planning (406-455-8430); state DLI registration/license fee separate

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

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

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