How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Maine?

Maine LLC Filing Fee: $175

The main cost to start an LLC in Maine is the $175 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Formation by mail or in person with the Maine Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Maine

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Maine, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Maine.

The cost for registering a Maine foreign LLC is $250. You can register a foreign LLC in Maine by filing a Statement of Foreign Qualification to Conduct Activities (Form MLLC-12).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing Form MLLC-1 and paying the $20 filing fee.

Assumed Name

File a Statement of Intention to Transact Business under an Assumed or Fictitious Name (Form MLLC-5) and pay a $125 filing fee to create an assumed name other than your legal LLC business name.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Maine

Step 1: Name Your Maine LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File a Certificate of Formation
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: File the Annual Report
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Maine LLC

When you name your Maine LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Maine
2. Meets Maine naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Maine guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Maine.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

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 create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Maine must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Maine registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Maine
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation

The Maine Form MLLC-6 - Certificate of Formation is a document that is filed with the Maine Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing a Certificate of Formation is $175.

For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Formation, visit our How to File the Maine Certificate of Formation guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Maine LLCs are required to create and maintain an operating agreement.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

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

For more information on operating agreements, read our Maine LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

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

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Maine requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Maine Secretary of State by June 1 every year. This filing keeps your business's general information up to date with the state.

Annual reports can be filed online or by mail, along with an $85 filing fee.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Maintaining your Maine LLC involves complying with all federal, state, and local regulations:

• Business Licenses & Permits: Your LLC needs to fulfill all federal, state, and local regulatory obligations. The types of licenses and permits depend on your business activities.
• State Tax Obligations: Your Maine LLC may be responsible for sales tax (5.5% rate), Unemployment Insurance Tax, Employee Withholding Tax, and both state and federal individual income tax.
• Employee Compliance: If and when you hire employees, make sure they are able to legally work in the US, report them as new hires, and put up the applicable workplace posters.