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Your Guide to Starting an LLC in Maine

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Benefits of opening an LLC in Maine

There are many reasons to form an LLC in Maine. Here are the main ones:

Legal protection in case of bankruptcy or lawsuits

Separation of personal and business assets 

Tax benefits: flexibility & pass-through taxation

Increasing credibility and trust for your business

How to form your Maine LLC with Ƶ

Check your if LLC name is available in Maine

Choose a registered agent for your LLC

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How to Form an LLC in Maine in 6 Steps

Forming an LLC in Maine is a smart move for entrepreneurs looking to protect their personal assets and gain legal recognition for their business. An LLC helps you operate legally, with flexibility and liability protection.

The process in Maine includes several important steps, but it’s easy to navigate, especially with Ƶ guiding you through everything from filing to compliance.

  1. Name your Maine LLC
  2. Choose a registered agent
  3. File certificate of formation
  4. Create an operating agreement
  5. Apply for an employer identification number, or EIN

Step 1: Name your Maine LLC

The name of your LLC must be distinguishable from other registered entities in Maine and must include “Limited Liability Company” or an accepted abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. It also can’t imply that your business provides services it isn’t authorized to perform (like using “bank” or “attorney” without proper licensing).
You can search for available names on the Maine Secretary of State’s Corporate Name Search tool. Unlike many other states, Maine does not currently offer online name reservation, but you can claim your name by submitting it with your Certificate of Formation.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Maine requires every LLC to have a registered agent located in the state. This can be a person or a business entity authorized to receive legal and official documents on your behalf. The agent must have a physical Maine address (P.O. boxes aren’t allowed).

If you’re not based in Maine or prefer to keep your personal address private, you can appoint a commercial registered agent, Ƶ includes this option during setup.

Step 3: File the certificate of formation

To officially create your LLC, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. Unlike many states, Maine only accepts this form by mail or in person, there is currently no online filing option.

The certificate includes your LLC’s name, the name and address of your registered agent, and whether your business will be managed by members or managers.

  • Filing fee: $175
  • Processing time: 5–10 business days (expedited options available for an additional fee)

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Although not required by Maine law, an operating agreement is an essential document for any LLC, especially if it has more than one member. It outlines how your business will be managed, how decisions are made, and what happens if someone leaves the company.

Ƶ provides a customizable Operating Agreement template, making this step easier to complete right after filing.

Step 5: Apply for an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC’s federal tax ID. You’ll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees. You can apply for one online through the IRS for free, or let us get it for you.

Costs and Compliance Requirements for LLCs in Maine

Here’s an overview of the common costs and ongoing filing obligations for a Maine LLC (see detailed review of a Maine LLC costs):

Form/Service

Cost

Frequency

Certificate of Formation

$175

One-time

Registered Agent (if using a service)

Varies ($100–$150/year)

Annual (if applicable)

Annual Report

$85

Annual (due June 1)

EIN (if using a paid service)

Optional

One-time

Local Licenses/Permits

Varies by town/industry

Varies

The annual report requirement: Every Maine LLC is required to file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State. The report keeps your company’s contact and ownership information current with the state and is due by June 1 each year. The filing fee is $85.

You can file online, by mail, or in person. Failure to file by the deadline may result in late fees or administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Maine LLC Formation: The Basics

This step-by-step guide details the steps and requirements you need to name your LLC in Maine.

There are different costs to form an LLC in Maine and maintain it. We’ve listed all of them in this post.

This post details which licenses and permits your Maine LLC may require and how to obtain them.

A Maine registered agent is a mandatory step in your LLC formation process – learn more about it.

Why is Ƶ the Best LLC Service in ME

At Ƶ, we love nothing more than helping people start their business. We take care of the LLC filing and offer additional services so you can focus on launching and growing your business, while staying informed and compliant with state regulations.

Here’s why people choose to form their LLC with us:

Easy and intuitive

Our products are user friendly, all you need to do is answer a few questions about your business and let us take care of all the rest.

Friendly dashboard

Our platform is easy to use and is optimally designed to guide you through your LLC formation process and business journey.

Additional services

We offer more products to help you set and manage your business like registered agent, business licenses, and annual report.

Real Ƶ reviews, from real business owners

For more reviews from our customers, visit our reviews page.

Start an LLC in Maine, Hassle-Free

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This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Ƶ is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Ƶ is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness.