Obtain an Employer Identification Number (also known as an EIN or FEIN) for your business if you do not already have one. The simplest (and preferred way) is to apply for an EIN with the IRS online. There is no cost to apply for an EIN.

To read more about applying for an EIN, read our help article, “Your Step-by-step Guide on How to Apply for EIN”

While it’s not required, we recommend that you register for an EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) account. You can easily register online. You will need to have this account to make tax payments online, or view payments made on your behalf by Patriot.

To find out more about the EFTPS, please read our article, “What Is EFTPS?”

You can register your business online using the Montana Taxpayer Access Point. This account will be needed for your income withholding tax account, also known as state income taxes (SIT).

Montana new employers can register using the UI eServices for Employers. This account will be necessary for filing your state unemployment insurance (SUI) taxes.

The Montana new employer State Unemployment (SUTA) rates are based on industry classification. Find the 2026 Montana new employer rates here.

Please visit the Department of Labor and Industry for more information about Montana unemployment employer contribution rates.

To learn more about SUTA, please read our article, “What Is SUTA Tax?”

You must have workers’ comp insurance if you have at least 1 employee in Montana. You can sign up for workers’ comp insurance through a private provider or state-operated fund. Learn more about workers’ comp requirements in Montana here.

Patriot’s online payroll offers free pay as you go (PAYG) workers’ comp integration with our partner, ERGO NEXT Insurance. You can get a free quote with ERGO NEXT here.

Have your employees fill out the required Form I-9. For more information, check out our article, “Form I-9 In a Nutshell“

You must retain each employee’s completed Form I-9 as long as the individual works for you. For more information, please read “What Should Be in an Employee File?”

Employees need to fill out Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate for federal income taxes. For state income tax, employees must fill out Montana Employee’s Withholding Allowance and Exemption Certificate

For more information, read our help article, “What Is a W-4 Form, and What Is it Used for?“

In addition to the W-4 for Federal income taxes, employees should fill out Form MW-4, the Employee Withholding Exemption Certificate for the State of Montana.

Montana employers need to report new hires within 20 days of hire or rehire as required by law. You can report online to the Montana Child Support Enforcement Division.

For more information, please read, “What Is New Hire Reporting?”

Montana employers must pay their employees a minimum wage of $10.85 per hour for 2026.

You need to post the minimum wage poster where employees can read it.

Get annual posters and all federal, state, county, and city labor law updates with Patriot’s labor law poster store, powered by PosterElite!