Montana SOS Warns Businesses of Deceptive Filings Solicitations

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Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is warning the state's business owners about deceptive mailings and emails that appear to be official government solicitations demanding large payments for filing business documents or annual reports. These solicitations often come from companies using names that seem official, but are not affiliated with the Secretary of State's office or any government agency.

Why it matters

These scam solicitations can be confusing and misleading for business owners who may inadvertently pay fees to unauthorized third-party companies instead of filing directly with the state. Jacobsen is aiming to raise awareness and protect Montana companies from falling victim to these deceptive practices.

The details

The deceptive mailings and emails often include fine-print disclaimers stating they are not government offices, but their design and wording still cause confusion. Jacobsen has waived the annual report filing fee for all Montana businesses that file by April 15, 2026, so businesses can safely file their reports directly through the official Secretary of State website.

• Jacobsen issued the warning on March 13, 2026.
• The 2026 annual report filing deadline is April 15, 2026.

What’s next

Businesses are encouraged to file their 2026 annual reports directly through the official Secretary of State website at biz.sosmt.gov to avoid falling victim to the deceptive solicitations.