How to Start an LLC in Maine

Last updated on 04 Apr 2025

How to Form an LLC in Maine | Complete Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Form an LLC in Maine

Forming an LLC in Maine is an excellent means of protecting your personal assets while creating a professional business structure. Although the procedure is straightforward, initial entrepreneurs may find it cumbersome and time-consuming. In an effort to make the process smoother, follow our comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Key Benefits

Personal Asset Protection

An LLC provides a legal barrier between your personal assets and business liabilities, protecting your savings, home, and other personal property from business debts and lawsuits.

Tax Flexibility

LLCs offer pass-through taxation by default, meaning business income passes through to your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation while providing options for how you're taxed.

Management Freedom

Maine LLCs provide flexibility in management structure, allowing you to choose between member-managed or manager-managed operations to suit your business needs.

Formation Process

Select a Distinctive Name for Your Maine LLC

The first step in creating your LLC is to pick a name that is distinctive and not already being used by another business within Maine. You can check for name availability via the Maine Secretary of State's online search for business names.

Required Words: Your LLC name has to include the words "Limited Liability Company," or an abbreviation like "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Ltd.," or "Company."
Prohibited Words: Some words like "Agency," "Board," "Bureau," "Commission," "Department," or "Municipal" are not allowed to be used in the name.
Government Association: The name also cannot suggest association with a government agency, using words like "State Department" or "Treasury."
Domain Name: It's also a wise decision to find out if the domain name of your LLC is available, since this will allow your brand's presence online to match your company name.

Select a Registered Agent in Maine

All Maine LLCs must have a registered agent. This individual or service is tasked with receiving significant legal documents, including tax notices, lawsuits, and official mail, on behalf of the LLC.

Agent Requirements

Your registered agent may be you, one of your LLC members, or a third-party professional service. The registered agent needs to have a physical Maine address and be present during regular business hours to accept documents.

Professional Services

Many business owners prefer to hire a registered agent service for professional and efficient handling of legal documents, ensuring nothing important is missed.

Recommended Registered Agent Services for Maine

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is known for its efficient and reliable services. They offer a seamless LLC formation process and registered agent service for $199 annually. Their platform provides easy access to all LLC documents, keeping your business compliant and organized.

Fast LLC formation process
Includes worry-free compliance service to ensure adherence to state requirements
Excellent customer feedback

Cons: Nonprofit structures are not supported.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent has been offering registered agent services for years and is highly respected for its excellent customer service. They provide an online portal where you can access your LLC documents securely at any time for $125 annually.

A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Provides data security and privacy protection
Registered agent service in all 50 states

Cons: Increased initial incorporation fees.

File with the State of Maine

Once you've chosen your LLC name and registered agent, it's time to register your LLC officially with the state of Maine. You can submit your formation documents online or by mail.

Filing Fee

The fee to file your LLC is $175.

Processing Time

The standard processing time is typically 5-10 business days. Expedited processing is available for a fee of $50 for 24-hour service or $100 for same-day service.

Methods of Filing

Online: The Maine Secretary of State's online filing system is the quickest method of filing your LLC.
By Mail: You can mail your documents to:
Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Post-LLC Formation Checklist

Once your LLC is officially registered, here are some additional steps to keep your business running smoothly:

Separate Personal and Business Assets: Keep your personal finances separate from those of your LLC to safeguard your personal assets in case you are sued. Open a separate business bank account for the LLC.
Get Business Insurance: Consider buying general liability insurance to shield your LLC from lawsuits. You may also wish to seek workers' compensation insurance if you have employees, which is mandatory in most situations.
Hire an Accountant: An accountant can assist with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. This keeps your LLC in compliance with state and federal tax laws.
Consider Making an Operating Agreement: Although Maine does not require an LLC operating agreement, we highly recommend making one. An operating agreement describes the ownership and management structure of your LLC and prevents disputes among members.

After Formation

Once your LLC is established, take these important steps to maintain good standing and protect your business:

Open a Business Bank Account

Keep your personal finances separate from those of your LLC to safeguard your personal assets in case you are sued. Open a separate business bank account for the LLC. This is crucial for maintaining the liability protection that your LLC provides.

Get Business Insurance

Consider buying general liability insurance to shield your LLC from lawsuits. You may also wish to seek workers' compensation insurance if you have employees, which is mandatory in most situations. This provides an additional layer of protection beyond the LLC structure itself.

Hire an Accountant

An accountant can assist with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. This keeps your LLC in compliance with state and federal tax laws and ensures your business finances are properly managed.

Create an Operating Agreement

Although Maine does not require an LLC operating agreement, we highly recommend making one. An operating agreement describes the ownership and management structure of your LLC and prevents disputes among members by clearly defining roles and responsibilities.

FAQs

How much does it cost to register an LLC in Maine?

The filing fee to incorporate an LLC in Maine is $175. You pay this fee directly to the Maine Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization.

Do I need a DBA (Doing Business As) name for my LLC?

In Maine, you don't need a DBA (or a trade name) unless you are going to conduct business in a name other than your official LLC name. If that is the case, then you must apply for a DBA through the Maine Secretary of State.

How long will it take to process my Certificate of Formation?

Standard processing is 5-10 business days. If you need quicker processing, you can have expedited services at an additional 24 hours for $50 or same-day for $100.

May I serve as my own registered agent in Maine?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Maine, as long as you have a Maine physical address and are present during regular business hours to accept legal notices. Yet, most businesses use the services of a professional for the convenience and privacy afforded.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC in Maine?

Yes, if your LLC is going to have employees or you wish to have a business bank account, you will need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Even without employees, an EIN is advisable for business operations and tax purposes.

Are there any annual requirements for Maine LLCs?

Maine doesn't mandate the filing of annual reports for LLCs, but it's essential to keep good business records and be in compliance with state tax and legal laws. You'll also need to file periodic tax returns and pay state taxes as required.

Can I modify my Maine LLC?

Yes, if you have to make amendments to your LLC, like renaming your LLC, changing your registered agent, or business structure, you can submit an amendment with the Maine Secretary of State. You might have to pay an amendment filing fee, and it's a good idea to have your records current.

Ready to Start Your Maine LLC?

Take the first step toward establishing your business with the protection and benefits of an LLC structure. By simply following these easy steps, you can properly establish your LLC in Maine and have your business running in no time.

Get Started Today