Business Formation / LLC Maine

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

📝 Initial Formation Costs

• Certificate of Formation: $175 (one-time fee)
  This is the primary fee to legally form your LLC with the Maine Secretary of State. 

• Expedited Processing (Optional): $50–$100
  For faster processing of your LLC formation documents. 

• Name Reservation (Optional): $20
  Reserving your desired LLC name before filing is optional.

🔄 Ongoing Annual Costs

• Annual Report Fee: $85
  Due each year by June 1st to keep your LLC in good standing. 

• Late Filing Penalty: $50
  If the annual report is filed after June 1st.

🛡️ Additional Optional Costs

• Registered Agent Service: $0–$300/year
  You can act as your own registered agent at no cost, or hire a service for privacy and convenience.

• Operating Agreement: $0–$500
  While not required, drafting an operating agreement is recommended to outline the management structure and operating procedures of your LLC.

• DBA (Doing Business As) Registration: $125
  If you plan to operate under a different name than your LLC's legal name.

• Certificate of Good Standing: $30
  Often required when opening business bank accounts or registering to do business in another state.

💰 Estimated Total Costs

• Minimum Startup Cost: $175
  (Filing Certificate of Formation)

• Typical Startup Cost with Optional Services: $225–$295
  (Including name reservation and expedited processing)

• Annual Maintenance Cost: $85–$385
  (Annual report plus optional registered agent service)

📌 Additional Considerations

• Business Licenses and Permits: Costs vary depending on your business type and location. Check with local city or county governments for specific requirements.

• State Taxes: Maine LLCs are generally pass-through entities for tax purposes, but you may be subject to state income tax, sales tax, or franchise tax depending on your business activities.

• Federal EIN: Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is free and necessary for tax purposes.

📌 Additional Considerations

• Business Licenses and Permits: Costs vary depending on your business type and location. Check with local parish or city governments for specific requirements.

• State Taxes: Louisiana LLCs are generally pass-through entities for tax purposes, but you may be subject to state income tax, sales tax, or franchise tax depending on your business activities.

• Federal EIN: Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is free and necessary for tax purposes.

🛑 What additional costs am I responsible for?

In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.

1. Licenses 
   
2. Filing Fees
3. Reports
4. Name Reservations
5. Articles of Organization