Outstanding nonprofit freedom: Montana scores 9.47 out of 10 in Nonprofit Freedom, ranking it 4th in that area, with no registration requirement, zero-dollar filing fees, minimal reporting obligations for charities and fundraising professionals, and no audit requirements.
Nation-leading donor confidence: Montana is tied with Iowa, Kansas, and Kentucky for 1st in this category, offering donor standing, strong UPMIFA protections, generally deductible contributions, and a DAF-friendly environment.
Strong overall policy environment: The state ranks 6th in the Broad Policy Environment, supported by high levels of economic freedom and a generally favorable regulatory and tax climate.
Detailed Scorecard
1. Broad Policy Environment
1A. Occupational Freedom (rescaled 0 to 10)
5.50
1B. Tax Competitiveness (rescaled 0 to 10)
6.70
1C. EFNA (0 to 10)
6.79
2. Nonprofit Freedom
2A. Charitable Startup Regulations
Requires charitable registration?
No
Top Registration Fee
$0.00
Minimum Registration Fee
$0.00
Top Incorporation Fee
$20.00
Minimum Incorporation Fee
$20.00
2B. Charitable Reporting Regulations
Requires Annual Report?
Yes
Top Annual Fee
$0.00
Minimum Annual Fee
$0.00
Requires Additional Corporate Filings
No
Other Fees
$20.00
Tiered Fee Structure
No
Overlapping Regulators
No
2C. Paid Solicitor Requirements
Commercial Fundraisers Must Register with the State
No
Paid Solicitor Registration Fee
$0.00
Paid Solicitor Renewal Fee
$0.00
Surety Bond for Professional Fundraisers
$0.00
Are Paid Solicitors Required to Report to the State in Order to Start Fundraising?
No
Fundraising Consultant Registration Required
No
Annual Financial Reporting by Commercial Fundraisers Required
No
Must File Contracts Between Charities and Commercial Fundraisers
No
Individual Solicitors Employed by Professional Fundraisers Must Register Separately?