Maine
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the 40th largest population in the United States, Maine services both large and small businesses. Maine's major industries include agriculture, tourism, and fishing. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of Maine's business services.
Forming a Corporation in Maine
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in Maine, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the Maine Secretary of State. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Maine's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
Maine requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any entity name, registered or reserved name, assumed name or mark on record with the Secretary of State. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Maine's standards.
Permitted designations: Maine corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
Restricted designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in Maine, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include:
- Banc
- Bank
- Banking
- Banque
- Insurance
- Savings
- Trust
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of Maine requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Maine is 10-20 business days. Expedited filings, which require an additional fee, typically take 2-3 business days.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Minimum number: A corporation is required to have a president and a treasurer. Corporations are not required to have directors.
Director qualifications: A director is not required to be a resident of Maine or a shareholder unless so prescribed in the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Written consent: Permitted. Directors may act in writing in lieu of holding a meeting.
Principal office location
Maine permits a corporation's principal office to be located outside of the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: Corporations must file annual reports with the Maine Secretary of State on or before June 1.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is between 10 and 20 business days.
Signatures: Persons authorized by the corporation may sign annual reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are not accepted.
Filing extensions: Not permitted.
Forming an LLC in Maine
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in Maine, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Maine Secretary of State. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Maine's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
Maine requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any other entity name, registered or reserved name, assumed name or mark. When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Maine's standards.
Permitted designations: Maine LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.L.C.
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Restricted words: The use of certain words in LLC names is "restricted" in Maine, meaning special approval by the state is required. These include:
- Banc
- Bank
- Banking
- Banque
- Insurance
- Savings
- Trust
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in Maine must file Articles of Organization. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in Maine is 10-20 business days. Expedited filings, which require an additional fee, typically take 2-3 business days.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Principal Office Location:
Maine requires an LLC's principal office to be located inside the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: LLCs must file their annual report with the Maine Secretary of State on or before June 1.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 10-20 business days.
Signatures: An authorized person may sign reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are not accepted.
Filing extensions: Not permitted.
Get Maine Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in Maine:
- Vending Machine License
- Vehicular Dealer License
- Trucking License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
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Incorporate in any state, starting as low as
$79
plus state fees
