5 Best Maine LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)


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Best LLC Formation Service in Maine

When you decide to start an LLC in Maine, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in Maine becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in Maine. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in Maine. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one! 

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC Maine LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in Maine, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your Maine LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Formation Services in Maine

Here is the list of best LLC services available in Maine. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in Maine at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in Maine-

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

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#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • Free LLC formation

  • Access to Legal Support

  • Trustworthy and established reputation

$299 + State Fees

  • Flat pricing for all services

  • Basic business filing services

  • A+ BBB Accredited

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in Maine we picked for you.

  1. LegalZoom
  2. BetterLegal
  3. TailorBrands
  4. ZenBusiness
  5. NorthWest Registered Agent

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

incfile-logo

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Maine that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0. 

LegalZoom Plans

  • Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
  • Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
  • Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

  • Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
  • Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
  • Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
  • Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
  • Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
  • Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
  • Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoomWhy You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formationExpensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputationHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround timeLess number of add-on options
Access to legal professionalsSome additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chatMixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the Maine filing fee while filing the Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose. 

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Resident Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans. 

2. BetterLegal

betterlegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide. 

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer- 

  • Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
  • State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
  • Permit & License Search Service – $125
  • Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegalWhy You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are finalThe basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround timeAdditional charge for EIN
A+ BBB AccreditedThe basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($145 for filing in person and by mail in Maine). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal. 

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

3. TailorBrands

tailore-brands-logo

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Maine? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost. 

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, Maine name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

  • Registered Agent Service – $199/year
  • Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
  • Annual Compliances – $299/year
  • Operating Agreement – $29
  • Expedited Filing – $49
  • Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrandsWhy You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formationNot BBB Accredited
Free business bank accountsNo business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formationAdditional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $175 must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons. 

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

4. ZenBusiness

zenbusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in Maine, though you must pay the state filing fee of $175 to the Maine Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state. 

ZenBusiness Plans

  1. Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
  2. Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
  3. Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusinessWhy You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rateDoes not form Maine nonprofit
Free LLC formation in MaineAdditional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Resident Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in Maine at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in Maine. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee. 

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in Maine. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature. 

5. Northwest Registered Agent

northwest registered agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including Maine. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly. 

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in Maine are listed below-

  • LLC formation in Maine at $39 + state filing fee
  • Registered Agent at $125 yearly
  • Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
  • Obtaining EIN at $50
  • Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Resident Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get NorthwestWhy You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in MaineNot BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all servicesAdditional charges to obtain EIN in Maine
Purchase only the service you need to form Maine LLC.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Resident Agent service in Maine

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in Maine. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need. 

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($175). If you have already formed your LLC in Maine and are willing to appoint Resident Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in Maine and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation. 

How to Form an LLC in Maine

Maine, popularly known as The Pine Tree State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 1,372,559. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Maine is $85,187 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Maine will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Augusta, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits. 

To form an LLC in Maine, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your Maine Resident Agent, filing the Maine Certificate of Formation, creating Maine LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes. 

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better. 

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Maine

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

  1. Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
  2. Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
  3. Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
  4. Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
  5. Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
  6. Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
  7. Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What is an LLC formation service in Maine?
An LLC formation service in Maine assists entrepreneurs in creating an LLC in the state of Maine.
Is it necessary to use an LLC formation service in Maine?
No, it is not necessary but can be beneficial for those who are unfamiliar with the LLC formation process in Maine.
What are the advantages of using an LLC formation service in Maine?
The advantages of using an LLC formation service in Maine include expert guidance, time-saving services, and convenience.
How long does it take for an LLC formation service in Maine to create an LLC?
LLC formation services in Maine usually take around 1-2 business days to create an LLC.
How much does an LLC formation service in Maine cost?
The cost of an LLC formation service in Maine varies depending on the service provider’s fee, but it is generally between $50 and $500.
Do LLC formation services in Maine provide registered agent services?
Most LLC formation services in Maine also offer registered agent services, though it may or may not be included in the package price.
Can I choose my own Maine registered agent if I use an LLC formation service?
Yes, many LLC formation services in Maine allow you to select your own Maine registered agent or provide the option for them to act as your registered agent.
What is the cost of a Maine registered agent service?
The cost of a Maine registered agent service usually ranges from $50 to $200 per year.
How does an LLC formation service in Maine ensure that my LLC name is available?
LLC formation services in Maine conduct a name search to ensure your LLC name is available before filing your formation documents with the Secretary of State.
Can I form an LLC in Maine if I don’t live there?
Yes, regardless of where you live, you can form an LLC in Maine as long as you have a registered agent with a Maine address.
Do I have to be a Maine resident to choose a Maine registered agent?
No, you do not have to be a Maine resident to choose a Maine registered agent for your LLC.
Can LLC formation services in Maine help with other legal requirements, such as obtaining EINs and licenses?
Most LLC formation services in Maine offer add-on services to help with these other requirements to start a business.
What are some additional fees I may incur when forming an LLC in Maine?
Additional fees you may incur when forming an LLC in Maine include a filing fee, annual report fee, and business license fees.
Do LLC formation services in Maine assist with obtaining Maine business licenses and permits?
Yes, LLC formation services in Maine often provide assistance in obtaining local and state licenses and permits.
How long does it take to receive my EIN after using an LLC formation service in Maine?
It usually takes 1-2 business days for an EIN to be assigned after using an LLC formation service in Maine.
Do you have to file an annual report for your Maine LLC every year?
Yes, all LLCs formed in Maine must file an annual report each year.
Can an LLC in Maine have multiple members?
Yes, an LLC in Maine can have multiple members.
What is the process for changing the name of my Maine LLC?
The process for changing the name of a Maine LLC involves filing a name change form with the Maine Secretary of State.
What is the cost to file a name change for my Maine LLC?
The filing fee for a name change for your Maine LLC is $35.
When does my Maine LLC annual report have to be filed?
Maine LLC annual reports must be filed by June 1st of each year.
How much is the filing fee for the annual report for my Maine LLC?
The filing fee for the annual report for a Maine LLC is $85.
Can an LLC in Maine have a non-resident member?
Yes, an LLC in Maine can have a non-resident member.
How is income taxed for an LLC in Maine?
Income from an LLC in Maine is taxed as pass-through income on personal income tax returns of the LLC’s owners.
Does Maine offer any special taxation benefits for LLCs?
Some industries in Maine may qualify for tax credits or other exemptions from the state.
What is the procedure for dissolving an LLC in Maine?
To dissolve an LLC in Maine, you must file Articles of Dissolution and pay the appropriate fees to the Maine Secretary of State.
How long does dissolution of LLC in Maine take?
It can take up to 1-3 weeks for the dissolution process to be completed by the Maine Secretary of State.
Do I need an attorney to dissolve an LLC in Maine?
No, you do not need an attorney to dissolve an LLC in Maine, but it can be beneficial to consult with one to ensure the process is conducted correctly.
Is there a fee for reinstating a dissolved LLC in Maine?
Yes, there is a fee of $150 to reinstate a dissolved LLC in Maine.
How long does it take to reinstate a dissolved LLC in Maine?
It can take up to 7-10 business days for a dissolved LLC in Maine to be reinstated once the application is approved.
What is an LLC?
An LLC stands for Limited Liability Company, which is a business structure that provides limited liability protection to its owners.
Can anyone form an LLC in Maine?
Yes, anyone who is at least 18 years old can form an LLC in Maine.
What is the process of forming an LLC in Maine?
The process of forming an LLC in Maine involves filing articles of organization with the Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maine?
The filing fee for forming an LLC in Maine is $175.
What are the benefits of forming an LLC in Maine?
The benefits of forming an LLC in Maine include limited liability protection for its owners and a flexible business structure.
Are there any drawbacks to forming an LLC in Maine?
There may be additional tax and regulatory burdens associated with forming and maintaining an LLC in Maine.
What is the minimum number of members required to form an LLC in Maine?
There is no minimum number of members required to form an LLC in Maine.
Can an LLC in Maine have only one member?
Yes, an LLC in Maine can be formed with only one member.
Can a foreign company form an LLC in Maine?
Yes, a foreign company can form an LLC in Maine.
What is the ongoing cost of maintaining an LLC in Maine?
The annual report filing fee for maintaining an LLC in Maine is $85.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Maine?
It takes approximately 10 business days for the Secretary of State to process LLC formation documents.
Can I change my LLC’s name after it is formed in Maine?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s name by filing an amendment with the Secretary of State for a fee of $50.
What is the name availability requirement for forming an LLC in Maine?
The name of your LLC must be distinguishable from any existing business names registered with the Secretary of State in Maine.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Maine?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Maine for a fee of $20.
What are the annual reporting requirements for an LLC in Maine?
The annual reporting requirement for an LLC in Maine is filing an annual report with the Secretary of State for a fee of $85.
Can I file my LLC’s annual report online in Maine?
Yes, you can file your LLC’s annual report online in Maine.
Is an LLC in Maine required to have a registered agent?
Yes, an LLC in Maine is required to have a registered agent.
Can I serve as my own registered agent for my LLC in Maine?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent for your LLC in Maine.
Can I form an LLC in Maine without a business address?
No, to form an LLC in Maine, you must provide a physical address for the LLC’s business.
Are there any restrictions on the type of business that can form an LLC in Maine?
No, any type of business can form an LLC in Maine.
Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in Maine?
Yes, you can convert your existing business into an LLC in Maine.
Are LLCs taxed as corporations in Maine?
No, LLCs in Maine are not taxed as corporations.
What are the tax filing requirements for LLCs in Maine?
LLCs in Maine are required to file a Maine income tax return if they have any Maine source income.
Can an LLC be taxed as an S corporation in Maine?
Yes, an LLC can elect to be taxed as an S corporation in Maine.
Can I form a series LLC in Maine?
Yes, Maine allows for the formation of a series LLC.
What is the cost of forming a series LLC in Maine?
The filing fee for forming a series LLC in Maine is $200.
Can I get assistance with forming my LLC in Maine?
Yes, there are many online LLC formation services that can assist you with forming your LLC in Maine.
What should I look for in a good LLC formation service in Maine?
You should look for an LLC formation service in Maine with experience, a good reputation, and competitive pricing.

Also Read

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in Maine is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in Maine. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly. 


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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