Forming an Maine LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Maine (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Maine, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Maine, you must submit a Certificate of Formation to the Maine Secretary of State. The filing fee is $175, and approval typically takes about 15 days.

Here are the 5 steps to form your LLC:
– Choose a Name for Your LLC
– Designate a Registered Agent
– Submit the Certificate of Formation
– Draft an Operating Agreement
– Obtain an EIN

If you’d like to handle the process on your own, you can use our free guide below.

For those who prefer professional assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

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Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to establish an LLC in Maine?

Establishing an LLC costs $175, followed by an annual fee of $85. What are these charges for? The $175 fee is for filing the Certificate of Formation, the document responsible for creating an LLC. The $85 annual fee is for the Annual Report, a required submission to maintain your LLC’s good standing. For more details on LLC Costs, visit LLC Costs in Maine.

How long is the process to obtain an LLC in Maine?

Filing by mail leads to approval within 10-15 business days, not including mailing time. Online filing for Maine LLCs is not available. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Maine for updates on any potential delays.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Maine

1. Search Your LLC Name

Begin by searching your desired LLC name to ensure its availability within the state. This step is crucial because two businesses cannot have identical names in Maine. Start by comparing your proposed business name against existing entities in the state.

Use the Corporate Name Search to confirm that your chosen LLC name is distinct from current businesses.

Next, familiarize yourself with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name is approved. We’ll provide more detailed information here: Maine LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Maine Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Maine Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Maine Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Maine mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Maine or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit a Certificate of Formation

To establish an LLC, you must submit a Certificate of Formation to the Maine Secretary of State.

Filing by mail incurs a one-time fee of $175. Note that forming a Maine LLC online is not possible. If you prefer to handle this on your own, check out our detailed guide: Maine Certificate of Formation. Alternatively, you can hire a company to manage the process for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Maine Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Maine EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC is approved, there are a few important actions to consider.

Open a Business Bank Account


You should establish a business bank account for your LLC. This will simplify your accounting and record-keeping. Moreover, maintaining a separate business bank account helps preserve your personal liability protection by keeping your business and personal finances distinct.

Obtain Business Licenses and Permits


In Maine, there isn’t a state-wide general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, you might need a local business license or permit. For instance, starting a daycare might require a city or county business license. You can find more details on our Maine Business License page.

File Your LLC Annual Report


Every Maine LLC must submit an Annual Report each year to remain in good standing with the state. The filing fee for this report is $85 annually. The Annual Report is due by June 1st each year. Your first Annual Report is due the year following your LLC’s approval. For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first report is due by March 31, 2026. You can file your report online or via mail, though we recommend online filing for its ease. Check out our Maine LLC Annual Report guide for more information.

File and Pay Taxes


LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly. Instead, LLC Members include the LLC’s income in their personal tax returns. A Single-Member LLC is taxed as a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed as a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Aside from federal taxes, you might also encounter state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. Visit Maine LLC Taxes for more details.

Helpful Resources

How to Start an LLC in Maine FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Maine?

Absolutely, you can file your LLC online. The Certificate of Formation costs $175. Once filed online, approval typically takes 10-15 business days, plus mail time.

One major advantage of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. If your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets, such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts, remain safe. This protection covers all LLC Members, regardless of whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. LLC owners are shielded from business debts and liabilities, unlike Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships where owners lack such protection. Consequently, LLCs are a more favored business structure.

Another benefit is the pass-through taxation of LLCs. The LLC doesn’t pay federal income taxes; instead, profits pass through to Members, who then pay taxes on their individual returns. Maine Revenue Services follows similar guidelines for state income taxes, respecting the federal tax treatment of LLCs. For further details, see How are LLCs taxed.

Whether Maine is the right state for starting an LLC depends on your location and business activities. If you reside or conduct business in Maine, it’s wise to establish your LLC there. Although some websites highlight tax benefits of other states, these are irrelevant if you’re not living or doing business there.

For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while residing and operating in Maine requires you to register your Delaware LLC in Maine, incurring extra fees. Ultimately, you’ll pay Maine taxes, leading to additional costs and complications without benefits. Therefore, if you live and work in Maine, it’s a good state to start a business. Otherwise, it’s not advantageous.

Real estate exception: If buying property outside Maine, form your LLC in the state where the property is located. For more information, see Best State to Form an LLC.

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