Maine LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $175. Ongoing annual report fee: $85 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Maine database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Maine Secretary of State registry before submitting your $175 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maine?
An LLC in Maine costs $175 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $85 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $710, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $175 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Maine Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $85 | annual | Due June 1 annually | Maine Secretary of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $175 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Maine LLC 5-Year Cost Model
MEChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($175) + registered agent
Annual report ($85/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Maine.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $2145-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Maine filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Maine LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Maine LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Maine Secretary of State.
Maine Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
Maine does not levy an LLC franchise tax.
Advantages of a Maine LLC
- Simple compliance structure
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $175 initial filing fee + $85 recurring annual report fee
Founder Pro-Tip for Maine
File online through the Maine Corporate Exam portal to avoid weeks of paper processing.
Step-by-Step Maine LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Maine Secretary of State registry.
Appoint a Maine Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Maine (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($175 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Maine Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within 10-15 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (June 1 annually)
Submit the annual report with the $85 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Maine LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Maine.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maine?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Maine is $175, paid to the Maine Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $214 in your first year.
What is the Maine LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Maine LLC filing fee is $175. This is a one-time fee paid to the Maine Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is 10-15 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Maine?
Maine charges a annual report fee of $85, due June 1 annually. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Maine, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Maine LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Maine LLC includes the annual report fee ($85), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $710.
Does Maine have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. Maine does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes Maine one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in Maine if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Maine regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Maine, foreign LLC registration costs $250 plus $150/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Maine with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: