Can I file a Maine LLC online?

No. The Certificate of Formation must be printed, signed and mailed or delivered in person to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions in Augusta. Maine does not offer online formation filing.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Maine?

Standard processing runs 40 to 55 business days. Expedited service is available for an extra fee if you file in person or request 24-hour or immediate review.

Does Maine have a franchise tax on LLCs?

No. Maine does not levy a franchise or annual privilege tax on LLCs. Only a C-Corp election pays the state's graduated corporate income tax.

Is there a statewide business licence in Maine?

No single statewide licence covers every business. Check with the relevant state licensing board for your industry and with your town or city for local permits.

Do I need to file an Annual Report in my first calendar year?

Check the specific date your Certificate of Formation was approved against the Bureau's current guidance, since Maine's Annual Report cycle runs on a calendar year and generally starts the year after formation.

What happens if my Maine LLC is administratively dissolved?

You can generally apply for reinstatement by filing the outstanding Annual Reports and fees, but the LLC is not in good standing and its name protection may lapse until reinstatement is processed.

Maine state guide - 6 lessons

How to start an LLC in Maine

Maine is one of the last states where you cannot form an LLC online. The Certificate of Formation, Form MLLC-6, is a paper document you print, sign and mail or hand-deliver to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions in Augusta with a $175 check. Processing then takes weeks, not minutes, so build that into your timeline. This guide covers naming, the registered agent Maine calls a clerk or registered agent, the filing itself, tax registration and the $85 Annual Report due every June 1.

Maine LLC facts at a glance

Maine LLC facts at a glance
Official filing agency	Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
Formation document	Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6)
State filing fee	$175
Filing methods	Mail to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions in Augusta, In person at the Augusta office, Expedited service in person or with a cover letter requesting 24-hour or immediate review, for an additional fee
Typical processing (recent)	5-7 business days
Typical expedited processing	24 hours for an extra $50
Registered agent	Required
Annual Report	$85, due June 1
Late penalty	$50 + administrative dissolution
State-level business tax	No franchise tax on LLCs. 3.5%-8.93% graduated corporate income tax if C-Corp elected.
Publication requirement	None
Filing method	Paper only. Maine does not offer online filing of the Certificate of Formation; it must be mailed or delivered in person to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
Standard processing time	40 to 55 business days for corporate filings; expedited review is available in person or by requesting 24-hour or immediate service for an added fee
Name reservation	$20 to reserve a name for 120 days, filed on Form MLLC-1
Clerk or registered agent	Every Maine LLC must appoint a commercial or noncommercial clerk (registered agent) under the Model Registered Agents Act, and the agent must consent to serve
Operating agreement	Not filed with the state, but Maine's LLC Act (Title 31) references the operating agreement as the document governing the LLC's internal affairs, so adopting one in writing is strongly recommended

Processing times reflect recent official guidance and change often. Check the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions current processing calendar before you rely on a date.

File it yourself

Maine accepts filings directly from business owners. You do not need us, or any other company, to form your LLC. Here is the official portal.

the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions (paper filing only for formation)

The Maine lessons

Start lesson 1

Related Gullia Filing pages

Or let us file your Maine LLC for you

Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.

Start your ME LLC See pricing

Official sources

Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team, Corporate formation specialists and registered agents