Photography Business Permit Requirements in Missoula, 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)

1. City of Missoula — Business License (Community Planning, Development & Innovation)

   Most businesses operating in Missoula must obtain a city business license through the Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) department, applied for via the city's online Permit and License Portal. State-licensed professionals (e.g., physicians, attorneys, real estate agents, insurance professionals, nail technicians) are exempt. General business licenses expire May 31 each year regardless of issue date and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887·1–3 weeks

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887

   1–3 weeks

2. Missoula County / Missoula Park or Special Event Permit

   Photographers shooting in public parks, on public property, or at permitted events in Missoula may need a special use permit from the city or county parks department.

   Official government source

   Varies — routine photo sessions in public parks generally need no permit; organized events or exclusive-use shoots may require a reservation or special-use permit from Missoula Parks & Recreation (city) or Missoula County Parks, Trails & Recreation (county)·1–3 weeks

   Varies — routine photo sessions in public parks generally need no permit; organized events or exclusive-use shoots may require a reservation or special-use permit from Missoula Parks & Recreation (city) or Missoula County Parks, Trails & Recreation (county)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

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

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