Maine LLC Certificate of Formation (2026)
Learn how to file the Maine LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.
LLC Route Editorial Team
Reviewed against official state and federal resources.
Updated July 28, 2026
Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.
Maine calls the main domestic LLC formation filing a Certificate of Formation. The Secretary of State fee is $175. This filing creates the LLC, but it is only the first step.
Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with Maine Secretary of State, Maine Revenue Services, IRS, and qualified professionals.
Most people need this first
| Item | Maine answer |
|---|---|
| Formation document | Certificate of Formation |
| Filing fee | $175 |
| Current standard processing | 40-55 business days listed by SOS |
| Expedited service | $50 24-hour / $100 immediate |
| Registered agent required? | Yes |
| First annual report | Due by June 1 in the year after formation year |
| EIN included? | No |
What the Certificate of Formation does
The Certificate of Formation creates the Maine LLC record with the Secretary of State. Maine law requires the certificate to include the LLC name and registered agent information required by the registered agent statute, plus any other matters the members choose to include.
The filing does not automatically create:
- EIN
- Operating agreement
- Maine sales tax account
- Maine withholding account
- Local business license
- Professional license
- Bank account
- Registered agent service contract
Paper filing reality
Maine’s LLC forms page says the forms are fillable PDFs that you complete, print, and mail with the proper filing fee. This is different from states where the domestic LLC filing is fully completed inside an online state portal.
If speed matters, review expedited service before mailing the filing. Maine lists $50 for within 24 hours and $100 for immediate expedited service.
After approval
After the LLC is accepted, handle the practical setup:
- Save the approved Certificate of Formation.
- Adopt the operating agreement.
- Get an EIN if the LLC needs one.
- Register Maine tax accounts if sales tax, use tax, service provider tax, or withholding applies.
- Check city, town, and industry licenses.
- Calendar the June 1 annual report deadline.
Filing FAQ
Is Maine’s LLC filing called Articles of Organization?
Many people search for “Articles of Organization,” but Maine’s domestic LLC form is called Certificate of Formation.
How much is the Maine Certificate of Formation?
Maine lists the domestic LLC Certificate of Formation at $175.
Does the Certificate of Formation include the annual report?
No. The annual report is a separate $85 yearly filing.
Does Maine formation include tax registration?
No. Maine Revenue Services tax registration is separate.
Official resources
- Maine Secretary of State LLC forms and fees
- Maine law: formation of limited liability company
- Maine Secretary of State miscellaneous services and expedited fees
- Maine Revenue Services Maine Tax Portal FAQ
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