Forming a Corporation in Maine is Easy

1. Step 1: Name Your Maine Corporation. Choosing a business name is the first step in starting a corporation.
2. Step 2: Choose a Maine Registered Agent.
3. Step 3: Hold an Organizational Meeting.
4. Step 4: File the Maine Articles of Incorporation.
5. Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Maine Corporation.

How do I look up an LLC in Maine?

Lookup a business entity (Corporation, LLC, Limited Partnership) in Maine by visiting the Secretary of State’s Website. You will need to refine your search as the database is limited to only returning up to 100 records. You may find a business by Name or Charter Number.

How do I change my registered agent in Maine?

How to Change your Maine Registered Agent

1. Obtain a New Maine Registered Agent. Hire your new Maine registered agent before filing the change with the state.
2. Complete the Maine Change of Agent form.
3. Pay the Filing Fee.

How do I find out if a business name is in Maine?

Here’s how to search:

1. Step 1: Visit the Secretary of State’s Website. Visit the Maine Secretary of State website.
2. Step 2: Search the Business Name. Enter the name you would like to use in the “Keyword from name to be searched” field.
3. Step 3: Review Results.

How do I find out who owns a company in Maine?

You can find information on any corporation or business entity in Maine or another state by performing a search on the Secretary of State website of the state or territory where that corporation is registered.

Who can be a registered agent in Maine?

Who can be a registered agent in Maine? A registered agent in Maine can be any resident of the state who is 18 years or older, a registered Maine domestic business entity, or a foreign business entity authorized to do business in the state. An entity may not be its own agent.

How do I change my business name in Maine?

If your Maine corporation wants to conduct business under a new name, your company has to file an amendment. Doing this will make sure the changing of your name is legal. After checking the availability of the name, file an amendment with the Secretary of State.

How do you become a 501c3 in Maine?

How to Start a Nonprofit in Maine

1. Name Your Organization.
2. Recruit Incorporators and Initial Directors.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent.
4. Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation.
5. File Initial Report.
6. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
7. Store Nonprofit Records.
8. Establish Initial Governing Documents and Policies.

Do I need to register my business in Maine?

Do I need a business license? The State of Maine does not license all businesses; however, your business may need state and/or local licenses or permits depending on the particular activity you are engaged in.

Do you have to register a DBA in Maine?

The State of Maine does not require business name registration. That said, companies operating under an assumed name or DBA may be required to file with the Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions.

Does Maine have a Secretary of State?

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State, sworn into her first two-year term in the position on Jan. 4, 2021. Secretary Bellows is Maine’s first female Secretary of State.

How do I reserve a business name in Maine?

To register your Maine LLC, you’ll need to file the Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State. You can apply by mail. Read our Form an LLC in Maine guide for details. Or use a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.

How much does it cost to get an LLC in Maine?

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maine? The Maine Secretary of State charges a $175 fee to file the Certificate of Formation. You can reserve your LLC name with the Maine Secretary of State for $20.

Can I be my own registered agent in Maine?

How do I become my own registered agent? It is easy to designate yourself as a Maine registered agent when you form your corporation or LLC. Just list your own name and address on the Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation that you file with the Maine Secretary of State.

How much does it cost to incorporate in Maine?

The state of Maine charges a $145 filing fee for Articles of Incorporation, with a standard filing time of about 14 days. There is an optional 24-hour expediting process that costs $50, and an immediate expediting process that costs $100.

Is my business name available in Maine?

You can also search online by navigating to Maine’s Database, just enter your desired LLC business name in the Corporate Name Search box or you can go to the official website of the Secretary of State. You can reserve a business name for 120 days by filing an MLLC-1 (Application for Reservation of Name) with the SoS.

How do I get an EIN number in Maine?

How do I apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)? To obtain a Federal EIN, go to to apply online or download IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. To contact the IRS by phone, call 1-800-829-4933.

What do registered agents do?

A registered agent is simply a person or entity appointed to accept service of process and official mail on your business’ behalf. You can appoint yourself, or in many states, you can appoint your business to be its own registered agent.

How do I renew my LLC in Maine?

All LLCs doing business in Maine must file an Annual Report every year. You need to file an Annual Report in order to keep your LLC in compliance and in good standing with the state. You can file your LLC’s Annual Report by mail or online. We recommend filing online since it’s easier and the processing time is quicker.

Can a foreign corporation be incorporated in Maine?

A domestic corporation has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine. A foreign corporation has been incorporated under the laws of another state or country and, by registering with the state, may be authorized to do business within Maine. What are the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating?

How are articles of Incorporation filed in Maine?

The articles of incorporation establish the individuals’ intent to form the corporation and indicate who is forming the corporation. Once incorporated, any changes or amendments must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office.

When does the division of corporations close in Maine?

The standard turn-around time for processing corporate filings is 5 to 10 business days. In observance of Patriot’s Day, all Secretary of State offices will close Monday, April 20, 2020. The purpose of the Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions is to: 1.

What is a not for profit corporation in Maine?

These entities are also called not-for-profit corporations. Business and nonprofit corporations are either domestic or foreign corporations. A domestic corporation has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine.