Maine charges a $175 state fee to form an LLC, and that’s the one upfront cost you can’t skip. If you’re figuring out how to start an LLC in Maine, that number is your starting line. Everything else is optional or free.
You file a Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations. The fee is set in Maine’s Title 31, section 1680. A formation service can handle the paperwork for you, but it adds its own fee on top of the state’s.
“Free” here means no service charge. The $175 goes to the state. The EIN, your federal tax ID, really is free from the IRS.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Maine state filing fee for a Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6) is $175.
- The annual report costs $85 and is due June 1 each year.
- An EIN from the IRS costs $0. Never pay for one.
- A formation service is optional. The state fee is the same with or without one.
For the general overview that applies in any state, see our 7-step start-here guide.
Maine LLC Costs at a Glance
These figures were current as of October 2026, per the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations and Maine statute.
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6) | $175 | One time, when you form |
| Annual report | $85 | Every year, due June 1 |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Anytime after formation |
Fees can change. Confirm the current amounts on the Secretary of State’s website before you pay. To see how Maine stacks up against other states, check our LLC filing fees by state roundup.
How to Start an LLC in Maine, Step by Step
Step 1: Choose and Check Your Business Name
Your LLC needs a name that isn’t already taken by another Maine business. Start with the business name search on the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations website. Searching is free.
Try a few variations of your top choices. Check the Secretary of State’s website for Maine’s naming rules, such as required wording like “LLC.” Then search the web and social media too. A name can be open on the state registry and still collide with another brand.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
A registered agent is the person or company that receives official legal and government mail for your LLC. You’ll name one on your formation filing.
You generally have three options:
- Yourself, if you meet the state’s requirements for the role. Your name and address become part of the public record.
- Someone you trust, such as a family member or business partner.
- A registered agent service, a paid option some founders choose for privacy or convenience.
Check the Secretary of State’s website for the current requirements for a Maine registered agent, including address rules.
Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6)
This step officially creates your LLC. Maine calls the formation document a Certificate of Formation, filed on Form MLLC-6. Many other states call the same thing “articles of organization.”
- Go to the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations website and find Form MLLC-6.
- Fill in your LLC name, registered agent details, and the other information the form asks for.
- Submit it with the $175 filing fee, per Maine Title 31, section 1680.
For current processing times and the filing methods the office accepts, check the Division of Corporations’ website.
Here’s a picture of how it looks. Say you’re forming a one-person LLC in Portland to sell handmade candles. You search the state’s name database, confirm your name is open, name yourself as registered agent, complete Form MLLC-6, and pay the $175 fee. That’s the whole state cost to form.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC is run. It covers who owns it, how profits are split, and who makes decisions. The owners are called members. Some LLCs are run by the members themselves, while others name a manager to handle day-to-day operations.
Even if you’re the only member, a written agreement is a good habit. It documents that your LLC is a separate business, and banks sometimes ask for one. You don’t file it with the state, and you can write it yourself. Check the Maine statute or the Secretary of State’s site if you want to know exactly what Maine requires.
Step 5: Get Your Free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit federal tax ID for your business. The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS in minutes, for free. You never have to pay a fee for one.
Apply only on IRS.gov. You’ll typically want an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file certain taxes.
Wondering how your LLC will be taxed, or whether an S corporation election makes sense later? Our LLC vs. S corp guide covers it.
Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account
Keep business money separate from personal money. Bring your Certificate of Formation, your EIN confirmation, and your operating agreement. Mixing funds can weaken the separation between you and your LLC, and it makes bookkeeping and taxes harder.
Online business banks are one option. Novo is a business checking provider aimed at small businesses and freelancers. Compare fees and features against your local bank or credit union before choosing.
Step 7: Put the Annual Report on Your Calendar
Maine requires an annual report. The Maine Secretary of State says annual reports for business entities are due June 1, and the fee is $85 for domestic business entities.
Set a reminder now.
How to Start an LLC in Maine Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
Here’s the first-year formation math both ways.
Do it yourself:
- State filing fee: $175
- Service fee: $0
- Total to form: $175
With a formation service:
- State filing fee: $175
- Service fee: varies by company and package
- Total to form: $175 plus the service’s fee
The state fee is the same either way, since the service passes it through to Maine. What you’re buying is convenience. A service typically prepares and submits the paperwork, and some bundle extras like a registered agent, an operating agreement template, or compliance reminders. If you’re comfortable with a state form, you can skip all of it.
If you’d rather hand off the paperwork, Bizee is one formation service. Check what’s in each package, and whether a registered agent is bundled or billed separately, and for how long. Our best LLC formation services comparison lays out real prices side by side.
What you can skip: paid EIN filing, since the IRS charges nothing. Skip rush add-ons unless you truly need speed. And skip any “compliance package” you could replace with a calendar reminder.
Keeping Your Maine LLC in Good Standing
Forming the LLC isn’t the end of the paperwork. To stay in good standing:
- File the annual report by June 1 every year and pay the $85 fee, per the Maine Secretary of State.
- Keep your registered agent information current. If your agent or address changes, check the Secretary of State’s website for how to update it.
- Keep your records. Hold on to your Certificate of Formation, operating agreement, and EIN letter.
Missing a deadline can bring penalties or put your LLC’s standing at risk. For late fees and what happens after a missed deadline, check the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations’ website. If your first annual report timing depends on when you formed, confirm that there too.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maine?
The state filing fee is $175 for the Certificate of Formation, per Maine Title 31, section 1680. That’s the minimum. A formation service adds its own fee on top. Getting an EIN from the IRS is free.
What is the Maine LLC form called?
Maine calls it the Certificate of Formation, filed on Form MLLC-6 with the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations. Many other states call the equivalent document “articles of organization.”
How much is the Maine LLC annual report, and when is it due?
The annual report fee is $85 for domestic business entities, according to the Maine Secretary of State. Annual reports are due June 1 each year.
Do I need a formation service to start an LLC in Maine?
No. You can file Form MLLC-6 yourself with the Secretary of State and pay only the $175 state fee. A service is a convenience, not a requirement.
Do I have to pay for an EIN?
No. The IRS says you can get an EIN for free directly from the IRS, and you never have to pay a fee for one. Apply only through IRS.gov.
Your Next Step
Work through the 7-step start-here guide to see how Maine’s process fits the full picture. Then compare your costs with other states in our LLC filing fees by state roundup.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
