Forming an LLC in Maine (2026): 7 Procedures and the 3 Best LLC Services
Ranked by measured reading, the services for forming an LLC in Maine in 2026 are Mainstay Filing ($199), Maine Registered Agent.co ($199) and ME Registered Agent.org ($199). Recorded figures: 7 procedures, $175 to file, $85 for the annual report.
Cost over three years comes first, then procedures performed, renewal, Maine fit and price legibility (method page).
Best reading
1. Mainstay Filing: best for filing and upkeep on one invoice
$199 annually, state fee extra ($424 at checkout)
Top of the Maine readings is Mainstay Filing: one annual charge of $199 replaces three separate purchases: the filing, the registered agent and the annual report.
Three years run $200 higher than at Maine Registered Agent.co, in exchange for more of the work being done.
Each annual report is filed by the service; the only addition is the state's $85.
What the price performs
The filing is performed for you
Registered agent for the full year
Annual report filed on schedule
EIN application included
Official fee, nothing added
Measured strengths
The renewal price stays at $199
One annual price of $199, including the annual report
Posted prices, observed November 13, 2026. Each row also requires the $175 state fee.
Forming an LLC in Maine, procedure by procedure
Procedure1
Procedure 1: Select a name
The first observation to make is a name search at the Maine Secretary of State, before any filing is prepared under a name already in use.
TipA runner-up name avoids a repeat search.
Procedure2
Procedure 2: Identify the registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial agent: an individual or entity serving as agent in Maine, or the holder of a named position in the company.
A noncommercial agent lists a physical street address in Maine, not a P.O. box. Commercial agents keep their address on file with the state.
TipEvery service measured on this sheet can act as the registered agent.
Route one: pay the state $175. Route two: use one of the ranked services, pay $199 more and skip the forms.
Procedure4
Procedure 4: Assemble and file the Certificate of Formation
Deliver the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6) and $175 to the Maine Secretary of State. That filing forms the LLC. The office states a wait of 10 to 15 business days (home page).
Procedure 5: Secure an Employer Identification Number
After Maine approves the LLC, an application to the IRS yields an Employer Identification Number, which banks and payroll providers require. This procedure sits inside the Mainstay Filing package.
Procedure6
Procedure 6: Set the ownership rules in writing
An operating agreement is the owners' rulebook. The company retains it; the state does not collect it.
Procedure7
Procedure 7: Follow Maine's recurring filing
Keeping the LLC active means filing the annual report every year ($85), by June 1. A late filing draws $50.
Method for the three-year state row: take the filing fee, add the reports due in years two and three, then add any yearly minimum tax. Service fees stay in their own rows.
How the readings worked out
prevailed on procedures the price performs (28% of the reading), with close behind.
Maine Registered Agent.co costs less, yet the annual report stays with the owner.
Review questions on Maine
What will a Maine LLC cost at the start?
The state fee measures $175. The ranked services charge $199 on top.
Which form creates the LLC?
Locate the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6); the Maine Secretary of State is where it is filed.
Is a registered agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
How long does Maine take to process the filing?
Allow 10 to 15 business days (home page).
What does Maine require each year?
File the annual report every year, paying $85; the deadline is June 1.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
It is permitted: Maine asks $175, and a registered agent must also be named.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
The order of the readings is Mainstay Filing, Maine Registered Agent.co and ME Registered Agent.org. Mainstay Filing is first because $199 per year performs the formation, keeps the registered agent and files the annual report; year two measures $199.