Maine LLC — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maine?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Maine is $175. That's priced in the middle of the national range for LLC filing fees. On top of that, plan for $85 each year in annual report fees. $199 covers exactly one job: getting your Articles prepared and filed. The state fee ($175), registered agent service ($99/yr), EIN, and operating agreement are not included in that price.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Maine?
Standard processing runs 5-10 business days. If you pay $50 for expedited service, you can usually get to 24 hours. We file on your behalf and notify you as soon as the Maine Secretary of State processes the formation.
Does Maine require an annual report for LLCs?
Yes, every year. The fee is $85. Missing the filing deadline can lead to late fees and eventually administrative dissolution by the Maine Secretary of State.
Do I need a registered agent for my Maine LLC?
Yes. Every LLC registered with the Maine Secretary of State is required to maintain a registered agent with a physical Maine address. This is true from the moment you file your formation documents and remains true for as long as the LLC exists. We provide registered agent service as a separate $99/year subscription, not bundled into formation.
Can I form an LLC in Maine if I live in another state?
Yes. You don't have to be a Maine resident to form a Maine LLC. You do, however, need a registered agent with a physical Maine address — which we can provide as a separate $99/year service.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Maine LLC?
Maine doesn't require you to file an operating agreement with the state, but you absolutely should have one. Banks require it to open a business account. Courts rely on it in disputes. Without one, Maine's default LLC rules apply — which may not match your intentions. We offer an operating agreement template as a separate add-on — not included in the $199 formation fee.
How do I get an EIN for my Maine LLC?
Apply directly on IRS.gov — it's free and takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive your EIN immediately after completing the online application. Never pay a third party for an EIN. EIN application help is an optional add-on we offer separately. The IRS itself never charges for an EIN — you can apply at irs.gov for free in about ten minutes.
What's included in your formation service?
Our service fee of $199 buys preparation and filing of the Maine Articles of Organization. Nothing else is bundled. The state's $175 fee, registered agent service, operating agreement drafting, and EIN help are all separate items.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out Monday through Friday and we'll answer any questions about forming an LLC in Maine or how our services work.