Establish Your Growth in Maine

Maine is gaining attention as a launch point for innovative startups and forward-thinking founders. With competitive formation costs and access to the Northeastern business corridor, it offers a solid platform for growth. Start your Maine corporation today — packages begin at just $199 plus state filing fees.

Get Your Business Started Today. Select Your Package

Basic

$199

+ States Filing Fees

Form my C-Corp

02 weeks processing

Agent fee

Registered Address

Document filing with the Secretary of State

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Standard

$499

+ States Filing Fees

Form my C-Corp

05 days processing

Includes everything in basic package

Comprehensive name check

Preparation of Articles of Incorporation

Lifetime customer support (phone & email)

Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service

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Recommended

Premium

$599

+ States Filing Fees

Form my C-Corp

01 day processing

Includes everything in standard package

2 hours of free tax consultation

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Your Trusted Incorporation Partner in Maine

Global Insight with Local Expertise

Expanding into Maine is seamless with our experts guiding a fast, compliant incorporation process.

End-to-End Business Support

We offer full support from formation to tax and IP to help your business grow from day one.

Clarity You Can Trust

With transparent pricing, secure systems, and expert support, we help you grow confidently in Maine and beyond.

Forming a C Corporation in Maine

A C Corporation in Maine operates as an independent legal entity, shielding shareholders from personal liability. This structure is built for growth, allowing businesses to raise capital through share issuance — making it a strong choice for companies planning to expand, attract investors, or go public in the future.

Form my C-Corp

Why Maine is a Smart Choice for Your C Corporation

Clear and Reliable Legal Foundation

Maine’s corporate laws offer clarity and protection, providing a secure foundation to build and scale.

Built for Capital Growth

Maine C-Corps support fundraising via share issuance, ideal for attracting venture capital or going public.

Business-Friendly Tax Climate

Maine’s tax policies and incentives create a pro-growth environment for long-term business success.

Advantages of Establishing a C Corporation in Maine

Forming a C-Corp in Maine gives your business a strong legal and organizational framework. It limits personal liability for shareholders, supports capital fundraising through stock issuance, and introduces a formal governance system that aligns with investor expectations. The clear distinction between ownership and management also provides stability for long-term growth and expansion.

Steps to Form a C Corporation in Maine

To set up a C-Corp in Maine, start by selecting a distinct business name and appointing a registered agent located within the state. You’ll then file your Articles of Incorporation with the Maine Secretary of State. Final steps include drafting corporate bylaws, electing a board of directors, and obtaining an EIN from the IRS for federal tax compliance.

C-Corp vs S-Corp in Maine — What You Need to Know

C Corporations in Maine can issue multiple classes of stock and accept an unlimited number of shareholders, including non-U.S. investors — making them ideal for businesses seeking outside investment. On the other hand, S Corporations are limited to 100 shareholders, must be U.S. individuals or entities, and are restricted to a single class of stock. S-Corps benefit from pass-through taxation, which may suit smaller or closely held companies.

S-Corp vs C-Corp in Maine: Key Differences

In Maine, the choice between a C Corporation and an S Corporation depends on how you plan to fund and structure your business. Each entity type offers distinct advantages depending on your growth trajectory and shareholder makeup.

S Corporation

Pass-Through Taxation

Business income is passed directly to shareholders and taxed only at the individual level, avoiding corporate-level tax.

Shareholder Limitations

Restricted to 100 shareholders, who must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

One Class of Stock

Permits only one type of stock, maintaining a simple ownership structure.

C Corporation

Corporate and Dividend Taxation

Income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends.

Open Ownership Model

Allows unlimited shareholders, including foreign individuals and entities.

Diverse Equity Options

Can issue multiple classes of shares, offering flexibility for capital raising and investor structuring.

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How to Form a C Corporation in Maine

File Incorporation Documents

Submit Articles of Incorporation to the Maine Secretary of State, including your business name, Maine-based registered agent, and initial share structure.

Set Up Corporate Governance

Hold an initial board meeting to appoint directors, approve bylaws, and issue shares to founders. These actions create the legal framework for your company’s operations.

Apply for an EIN and Meet Ongoing Obligations

Request an EIN from the IRS. Stay compliant in Maine by filing annual reports, keeping internal records, and holding required shareholder and board meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I form a C Corporation in Maine if I'm not a resident or U.S. citizen?

Non-U.S. citizens and non-residents can form as a C Corporation in Maine with no limitations. You don't need to be a resident in the U.S. or hold a Social Security Number. You will require a registered Maine agent and may need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes, which our company can assist with.

Do I need to have a separate business bank account for my Maine C Corporation?

Yes, you are strongly encouraged to have a separate business bank account for your Maine C Corporation. It is a means of keeping personal and business finances separate, simplifies reporting taxes, and is excellent for building credibility with vendors and investors. Your Maine bank might ask for an EIN and your Articles of Incorporation, which we provide at formation.

What is double taxation and how will it affect my Maine C Corporation?

Double taxation occurs when your Maine C Corporation's income is taxed once at the corporate level (federal and Maine state corporate income taxes) and a second time at the individual level when the shareholders are paid dividends. This may reduce net income, but utilizing a tax consultant can reduce its impact for Maine C-Corps.

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