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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
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
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points for Maine LLCs
No Minimum Capital
Maine allows business owners to start an LLC with no minimum capital investment, lowering the barrier for small businesses and startups.
Flexible Management
LLCs in Maine can be managed by members or managers, and non-residents can own 100%—ideal for U.S. and international entrepreneurs alike.
Strong Legal Protections
Maine provides robust liability protection, ensuring personal assets are shielded from business debts and lawsuits.
Understanding Maine LLCs
A Maine LLC combines limited liability protections typical of corporations with the operational flexibility of partnerships, making it a popular structure for business owners who want protection without heavy regulatory burden.
What is a Maine LLC?
A Maine LLC is a legal entity formed under Maine statutes. It requires filing a Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State, designation of a registered agent with a physical Maine address, and compliance with naming and reporting rules.
A Maine LLC offers several benefits, including:
Limited personal liability for members/managers. Clear, regular schedule for Annual Reports with known fees, helping with planning. Flexible tax classification: default passthrough, with option to elect corporate taxation.
Why choose an LLC in Maine?
Because you gain liability protection, predictable costs, flexible tax and management options, plus relatively simple ongoing compliance. Maine’s legal framework supports LLCs with protections like charging order for creditor remedy instead of piercing LLC interest.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Maine
Starting a Maine LLC: Benefits
A Maine LLC provides personal asset protection, manageable formation fee, simple ongoing requirements (Annual Report), good legal protections versus creditors via charging orders.
Taxation of a Maine LLC
Default passthrough: single-member LLCs taxed like sole proprietorships; multi-member LLCs like partnerships. Members report income or loss on their personal tax returns. Maine does not impose a franchise tax for LLCs.
Starting a Maine LLC: Drawbacks
Forming Maine LLC has some cost. Missing the Annual Report deadline (June 1) results in late fees, and if ignored beyond certain period, administrative dissolution. Some business taxes, licensing, or local permits may still apply depending on business activity.
Who Can Form an LLC in Maine?
Any individual or business entity (including non-residents and foreign LLCs) may form or register to operate an LLC in Maine.
Types of LLCs in Maine
Domestic LLC (Maine-based LLC)
A domestic LLC is one formed under Maine law, primarily operating in Maine. It must file Certificate of Formation, appoint a registered agent in Maine, comply with Annual Report timeline and fees, and follow Maine statutes.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in Maine)
A foreign LLC formed outside Maine but doing business there must file for foreign qualification, designate a Maine registered agent, file Annual Reports (foreign entity fee applies), and meet same reporting obligations as domestic LLCs.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Maine allows professionals to form LLCs and meets professional licensing requirements; specific “PLLC” structures might be used in certain professions, depending on licensing boards.
How to Start an LLC in Maine
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Maine. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Maine.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Maine Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Maine LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
Maine LLC Application
To start an LLC in Maine, the key step is filing the Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State. This gives legal status to the LLC.
Required Information
- LLC name (must contain a designation like “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” etc.) and be distinguishable in Maine records.
- Registered agent name and street physical address in Maine (not P.O. Box).
- Principal business address.
- Names and addresses of at least one member or manager/other authorized person.
- Duration or term (if not perpetual), purpose of business (briefly) may also be included.
Filing Options
- By mail or possibly online for certain filings, depending on Secretary of State services.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Operating Agreement: Not required by statute but strongly recommended to set internal rules.
- Obtain EIN if needed (especially if have employees or elect corporate taxation).
- Maintain registered agent, address, and ensure Annual Reports are filed each year.
Maine LLC Taxation
Pass-Through Default Tax Treatment
By default, LLCs are taxed as pass-through: single-member LLCs taxed like sole proprietorships; multi-member like partnerships. Federal and Maine state income pass-through.
Maine State Income Tax
Members of Maine LLCs pay state personal income tax on their share of LLC profits. Maine has a progressive state income tax system with rates depending on income level.
Optional Corporate Election
Members may elect to have the LLC taxed as a corporation for federal (and state) purposes if that suits their business. Corporate-level income tax applies if this option is chosen.
Sales & Use Tax
LLCs engaged in selling taxable goods or services must register, collect, and remit Maine Sales Tax. Use Tax applies to taxable items purchased out of state but used in Maine.
Employment Taxes
LLCs with employees are responsible for withholding and remitting state income tax, as well as paying unemployment insurance and other employer-related taxes.
Other Maine Business Taxes & Obligations
Depending on business type and operations, there may be licensing, local business taxes, and regulatory obligations. Maine does not impose a general franchise tax or privilege tax on LLCs broadly.
Maine LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
Annual Report must include: LLC name; address of principal office; address and name of registered agent; statement of business character; name and address of at least one member or manager as of date filed.
Filing Deadlines
The first Annual Report is due between January 1 and June 1 of the year following the year the LLC was formed. Then subsequent Annual Reports are due by June 1 of each calendar year.
Penalties & Consequences
If report is not filed by June 1, a late fee applies. If it is not filed within 65 days after June 1 (by August 5), the LLC may be administratively dissolved.
Expanding Your Maine LLC
As your business grows, you may expand your Maine LLC into other states. This involves registering as a foreign LLC in each state where business will be conducted, maintaining compliance with those states’ statutes, taxes, and licensing, and ensuring you retain good standing in Maine.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Maine
If your LLC was formed in another state but will operate in Maine, you must file a Statement of Foreign Qualification with the Maine Secretary of State, designate a registered agent in Maine, file required Annual Reports (foreign entity fee applies), and comply with Maine business registration obligations.
Doing Business in Other States
To operate in other states, foreign-qualify in each such state, adhere to local tax, reporting, licensing rules, and keep up your Maine LLC’s obligations so you don’t lose legal protections or ability to bring suits/licensing etc.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.