How to Start an LLC in Maine (2025 Guide)

How to Form an LLC in Maine in 5 Steps

In order to form your LLC in Maine, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Name Your LLC
2. Choose a Registered Agent
3. File Your Certificate of Formation 
4. Create Your Operating Agreement
5. Obtain an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Maine LLC

The first step toward forming your Maine LLC is choosing the right business name. 

Your LLC’s name should be memorable to — and easily searchable by — potential customers while complying with state naming requirements.

1. Important Naming Guidelines for Maine LLCs:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC. L.L.C, etc.). In the case of a low-profit LLC, the abbreviations “L3C” or “13c” must be included instead. 
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Your name must be distinguishable from any other Maine limited liability company, corporation, limited liability partnership or limited partnership.
• When considering the uniqueness of your LLC’s name, it will disregard certain elements, including entity type descriptors, the use or omission of “and” and “the,” and variations in punctuation, capitalization, or special characters.
• Prohibited words and phrasing include obscene language, promote abusive or unlawful activities, or falsely suggest an association with public institutions.

For a complete list of naming rules in Maine, we recommend checking out Maine’s official Naming Guidelines.

2. Is the name available in Maine?

To check whether your desired name is already taken by another business entity in Maine, you can perform a Business Entity Search on the Maine Secretary of State website. 

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days ($20 processing fee).

For more information, you can have a look at our Maine LLC Name Search guide. 

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Maine LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Maine

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Maine registered agent. This is a required step for all LLCs in Maine.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Maine or a corporation — such as a registered agent service, an individual in your company (e.g., yourself, etc.), or a business attorney — that is authorized to transact business in Maine. 

Keep in mind that the SOS’s Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions offers a commercial registered agent online listing service, which you can use to find a Maine registered agent for your business.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Maine LLC Certificate of Formation

To register your Maine LLC, you will need to file Form MLLC-6: Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. You can only apply by mail.

Before filing, you’ll need to have certain information on hand to be able to complete your Certificate of Formation correctly, including:

• The name of your LLC
• The date of filing or effective later date (if applicable)
• Whether You’ll Elect as a Low-Profit LLC
• Your Professional LLC Election (if applicable)
• The name of your registered agent (either commercial or noncommercial)
• Any special handling requests (e.g., 24-hour expedited filing, immediate filing, attested copy, etc.).
• Customer contact cover letter 

File the Certificate of Formation

File Form MLLC-6 by Mail With the Maine Secretary of State

Download Form

Fee: $175, payable to the Maine Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
Department of the Secretary of State
Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

For help with completing the form, visit our Maine Certificate of Formation guide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Maine, you will need to form a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Maine LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Maine LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is required for all Maine LLCs. 

This is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC. Maine refers to the operating agreement as the limited liability company agreement.

A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Maine Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Maine Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Maine LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Maine LLC

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine digit number used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company and can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for free.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Maine Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Maine LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
• Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Maine, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC corporate officers, are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your Maine business may need? Read our full Maine Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses If Needed

While Maine doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.

• State-Level Licenses: Use this list of professions to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
• Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
• Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol or firearms or operating in the transportation industry), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Maine Business License Guide.

Pay Maine LLC Taxes 

Your Maine LLC will have several tax obligations:

Federal LLC Tax Requirements

As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.

Income Taxes

The two main types of state income tax you may need to pay in Maine are:

• Personal Income Tax: This is set at a gradual rate that varies between 5.8% and 7.15% depending on the income level of an individual or LLC treated as a disregarded entity.
• Corporate Income Tax: This tax is also set at a gradual rate that varies between 3.5% and 8.93% for LLCs taxed as corporations that generate more than $350,000 in annual revenue.

You can file your LLC’s income taxes online quickly and easily using the Maine Tax Portal.

Sales and Use Taxes

If you’re selling physical products, you’ll need to obtain a seller’s permit through the Maine Tax Portal (MTP). 

This permit will allow your business to collect sales tax from taxable sales. 

Sales and use taxes are collected from your customers at the point of sale and then remitted to the state governments.

Read our sales tax guide to find out more.

Employment Taxes

If you have employees in Maine, you’ll need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Maine Department of Labor. You’ll also need to sign up for Employer Withholding Tax through the Maine Revenue Services website.

Local Taxes 

Some Maine cities impose additional taxes that may be relevant to your LLC. These include local option sales taxes and property taxes.

You can find contact information for your local municipal offices on your city or town’s official website or through Maine’s municipal directory.

Most Maine LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Maine LLC Tax Guide.

File Your LLC Annual Report

In Maine, maintaining good standing as an LLC involves submitting an annual report and $85 filing fee to the Secretary of State. Maine LLC annual reports must be submitted by June 1 of each year, either by mail or online.

Note: Whether you choose to file online or by mail, ensuring your annual report is accurate and submitted on time is key in order to avoid penalties.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

Maine Business Resources