How to File an LLC Certificate of Formation in Maine

Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation are the main documents used in establishing your LLC in Maine. The document is required to be filed with the Secretary of State in Maine. Each form has a long list of details to be shared by the limited liability company owner before sending or uploading the document.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Certificate of Formation in Maine. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Maine to file the Certificate of Formation while forming the LLC.

Certificate of Formation in Maine

The Certificate of Formation for an LLC is the most important document of all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures, such as a corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, the Certificate of Formation is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Certificate of Formation, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with the Maine Secretary of State.

Each state has different requirements to fill out a form. The Certificate of Formation usually includes the following:

The name of the LLC in Maine,
The effective date of the LLC,
The company’s principal office,
The business purpose,
The duration of the business,
A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
The name and address of the Resident Agent, organizers, and
At least one member of the company

Note that the Certificate of Formation in Maine is a legal requirement, not to mention the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Maine LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File a Maine LLC Certificate of Formation

Filing an LLC Certificate of Formation with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). State-wise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Maine, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Maine Secretary of State to download the Certificate of Formation form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Offline Filing: Certificate of Formation PDF Form
Online Filing: Not Available

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to the Maine LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Certificate of Formation form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Resident Agent in Maine. It is recommended to explore the best LLC services in Maine for hiring a professional registered agent and other formation-related services.

For the ones who are residing outside of Maine and want to set up a foreign LLC in Maine, you must file another type of document, similar yet different from the Articles of Organization. For filing a foreign LLC, you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states, along with Maine.

What information does the Certificate of Formation application need in Maine?

The application form for the Certificate of Formation needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101. For online filing, you must log in to the Maine Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in a Demand Draft (if available). Most states do not accept cash payments for security reasons. Check with the SOS before filing your document.

Cost of Filing Maine Certificate of Formation

LLC cost in Maine includes all types of fees, starting from the name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($125 for Assumed Name filing and $40 for Fictitious Name filing), Resident Agent costs, and Certificate of Formation fee. In Maine, the filing fee for a formation document is $175. The standard fee for filing the Certificate of Formation allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and it can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while forming an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring LegalZoom as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Maine Certificate of Formation: Amending the articles of organization is required when any changes are made. Change of a registered agent, change of a physical address, or any information related to your existing LLC must be filed. Hence, you need to amend the Maine Certificate of Formation.

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Formation in Maine for an LLC?

A Certificate of Formation in Maine is a legal document that officially creates an LLC and registers it with the state.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Formation for my LLC in Maine?

You can obtain a Certificate of Formation for your LLC in Maine by filing the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.

What information do I need to include in the Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC?

You will need to include your LLC’s name, address, registered agent information, purpose, and members or managers in the Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC.

Can I file the Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC online?

Yes, you can file the Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC online through the Secretary of State’s website.

How much does it cost to file a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine?

The filing fee for a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine is $175.

How long does it take to process a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine?

It typically takes 1-3 weeks to process a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine.

Do I need an attorney to file a Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC?

No, you do not need an attorney to file a Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC, but it may be helpful to consult with one.

Can I operate my LLC in Maine without a Certificate of Formation?

No, you cannot legally operate your LLC in Maine without a Certificate of Formation.

Do I need to publish my Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC in a newspaper?

Yes, you will need to publish a notice of your LLC’s formation in a newspaper in Maine as required by the state law.

What is the mailing address for filing a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine?

The mailing address for filing a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine is Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101.

Can I change the name of my LLC after filing the Certificate of Formation in Maine?

Yes, you can change the name of your LLC after filing the Certificate of Formation in Maine by filing an Articles of Amendment document.

What is the difference between a Certificate of Formation and Articles of Organization for an LLC in Maine?

The Certificate of Formation is a document that officially creates the LLC, while the Articles of Organization are the initial documents filed with the state.

Can I file a Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC if the name is already taken?

No, you cannot file a Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC if the name is already in use by another business entity.

How do I check the availability of a name for my Maine LLC before filing the Certificate of Formation?

You can search for the availability of a name for your Maine LLC on the Secretary of State’s website before filing the Certificate of Formation.

Is a Certificate of Formation in Maine required for all types of LLCs?

Yes, a Certificate of Formation in Maine is required for all types of LLCs, including single-member and multi-member LLCs.

Can I file a Certificate of Formation for more than one LLC at a time in Maine?

Yes, you can file a Certificate of Formation for multiple LLCs at the same time in Maine with separate paperwork for each LLC.

Can a non-resident file a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine?

Yes, a non-resident can file a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine as long as they have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

Can I file a Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC if I’m under 18 years old?

No, you must be at least 18 years old to legally file a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine.

How long is the Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine valid?

The Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Maine is valid indefinitely as long as the LLC remains in compliance with state requirements.

Do I need to include a business purpose in the Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC?

Yes, you need to include a business purpose in the Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC, but it can be a general purpose such as “engaging in any lawful business activity.”

Can I file an expedited Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC?

Yes, you can file an expedited Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC for an additional fee.

Can I operate my LLC in Maine without an EIN?

No, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS to operate your LLC in Maine.

Can I add members to my LLC after filing the Certificate of Formation in Maine?

Yes, you can add members to your LLC after filing the Certificate of Formation in Maine by amending the operating agreement.

Can I file the Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC by mail?

Yes, you can file the Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC by mail by sending the necessary paperwork and payment to the Secretary of State’s office.

Do I need to have a physical address in Maine to file a Certificate of Formation for my LLC?

No, you do not need to have a physical address in Maine to file a Certificate of Formation, but you will need to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

Can I file a Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC online if I don’t have a social security number?

Yes, you can file a Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC online even if you do not have a social security number by obtaining an EIN.

Can I withdraw my LLC from the state of Maine after filing the Certificate of Formation?

Yes, you can withdraw your LLC from the state of Maine after filing the Certificate of Formation by filing a Certificate of Withdrawal with the Secretary of State’s office.

Do I need to file an annual report for my LLC in Maine after filing the Certificate of Formation?

Yes, you will need to file an annual report for your LLC in Maine each year to maintain good standing with the state.

Can I file the Certificate of Formation for my Maine LLC in person?

Yes, you can file the Certificate of Formation for your Maine LLC in person at the Secretary of State’s office during normal business hours.

What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) Certificate of Formation in Maine?

The LLC Certificate of Formation in Maine is a document filed with the Maine Secretary of State to officially establish a new LLC in the state.

In Conclusion

The formation document or the Certificate of Formation is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Maine. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Maine, filing the Certificate of Formation is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend LegalZoom, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Resident Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.