Secretary Christi Jacobsen Warns Of Misleading Solicitations Addressed To Montana Businesses

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is warning Montana businesses of misleading solicitations regarding various certificates and documents.

Montana’s business community notified the Secretary of State’s Office of a mailing titled “Montana Certificate of Status Instruction Form” and another titled “2023 Certificate of Existence Request Form.” Neither mailing is associated with the Secretary of State’s Office.

The Certificate of Existence mailing attempts to charge businesses a fee of $77.50, urging the businesses to respond by a certain date.

The Certificate of Status mailing attempts to charge businesses $65, while also urging the business to take action by a posted date.

While not required, a business may request a Certificate of Existence from the Secretary of State’s Office to document that they are properly registered to do business in Montana. Depending on the type of entity, a Certificate of Existence is available for only $5 through the Secretary of State’s online filing portal, while a Certificate of Fact is $15.

Official communication from the Montana Secretary of State’s Office will only direct businesses to the online business filing portal at biz.sosmt.gov. Secretary Jacobsen has previously alerted Montana businesses of similar misleading mailings.

If Montana businesses have questions or concerns regarding a solicitation related to the business, they are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division by emailing [email protected].