Maine Secretary of State
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maine?
Forming an LLC in Maine means filing the Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State. The calculator below separates official government fees from estimates, and fixed costs from variable ones.
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a state entity type — both LLCs and corporations may qualify for it.
First-year government fees — Maine LLC
$175
First-year government fees for a Maine LLC: $175
Official state fees
Ongoing fixed fees
≈ $85/yr annualized for comparison — actual payment schedule shown above.
Five-year outlook
Educational estimate based on official fee schedules verified July 12, 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Fees, rules, and processing times change; confirm with the state or a qualified professional before relying on them.
The numbers behind this page
Every figure comes from the typed data record for Maine, verified July 12, 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation filing fee | $175 | One-time | Official state fee |
† Partially verified — corroborated but not confirmed on a machine-readable official page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual report fee | $85 | AnnualDue June 1 each year, beginning the year after formation | Official state fee |
† Partially verified — corroborated but not confirmed on a machine-readable official page.
Filing process & processing times
File by mail or in person with the Bureau of Corporations; annual reports can be filed online.
| Option | Typical turnaround | Added fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 5–15 business days | None | Maine processes filings by mail or delivery; turnaround varies with volume |
| 24-hour expedited service | 1–1 business days | $50 | |
| Immediate expedited service | Same day | $100 |
Processing times are estimates based on currently available official guidance and change with filing volume — they are not guaranteed.
Registered agent costs
Every Maine LLCmust continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Acting as your own agent costs $0 where you meet the state's eligibility rules; commercial services typically run $100–$300 per year. The calculator uses $200 — the midpoint of that range — when you choose a hired service.
Midpoint of the typical advertised price range for national commercial registered-agent services as of July 2026 (e.g. Northwest Registered Agent $125/yr, ZenBusiness $199/yr, LegalZoom $249/yr). Budget providers advertise below this range and premium corporate-service firms above it. Serving as your own agent costs $0 where you meet state eligibility rules.
Worth knowing about Maine
- Maine formation documents are still filed on paper, but the $85 annual report is filed online — and its June 1 deadline arrives quickly after a spring formation.
Maine LLC cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maine?
The Maine Secretary of State charges $175 to file the Certificate of Formation. That figure excludes optional services and any variable taxes, which depend on your circumstances.
What are the ongoing costs of an LLC in Maine?
Maine LLCs generally must pay the annual report fee of $85 per year (due June 1 each year, beginning the year after formation).
How long does it take to form an LLC in Maine?
Standard processing generally takes about 5–15 business days. Expedited options are available: 24-hour expedited service for $50 and immediate expedited service for $100. Processing times change with filing volume, so confirm current turnaround with the state before relying on a date.
Do I need a registered agent for an LLC in Maine?
Yes. Every Maine LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can generally act as your own agent at no cost if you meet the state's eligibility rules, or hire a commercial service — typically $100–$300 per year. Whether serving as your own agent is practical depends on your circumstances, including privacy and availability during business hours.
When is the Maine annual report fee due?
Due June 1 each year, beginning the year after formation. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees or administrative dissolution, so put the date on your compliance calendar.
What this page doesn't cover
- Federal, state, and local taxes beyond the fixed fees shown — income-dependent taxes are listed as variable obligations and never included in exact totals.
- Business licenses, local permits, industry-specific registrations, and DBA filings.
- Attorney, accountant, or filing-service fees beyond the labeled registered-agent estimate.
- Whether an LLC — or Maine — is the right choice for your situation. FormedIn provides general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, and nothing here recommends an entity type or formation state for any specific person.
Fees, rules, deadlines, and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with the Maine Secretary of State and consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Sources
Maine data last verified July 12, 2026.
- Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions — Filing Fees— Maine Secretary of StateOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost? 2026 Guide— RegisteredAgentCost.comaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?— ZenBusinessaccessed July 12, 2026
Keep going
- Maine corporation costs →
- Compare Maine with other states →
- What a Registered Agent Actually Does (and Being Your Own) →
- Annual Compliance Checklist by Entity Type →
- How to Choose Your Formation State (Delaware Isn't a Default) →
- Operating Agreements Explained →
- Official source: Maine Secretary of State →