Start a Business in Maine
Forming an LLC in Maine costs $175 in state filing fees; a corporation costs $145. Expect about $85 a year in recurring state fees for an LLC.
Last verified July 2026 against official Maine sources.
Maine Business Formation Costs by Type
| Business type | Filing fee | Processing | Recurring state fees / yr (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | $175 | 5-7 business days | $85 |
| Corporation | $145 | 5-10 business days | $85 |
| S-Corp | $145 | 5-10 business days | $85 |
| Nonprofit | $40 | 5-10 business days | $35 |
| Partnership | $175 | 5-7 business days | $85 |
Recurring estimate = report fee (halved for biennial reports) + franchise/minimum tax; excludes publication, registered-agent and income taxes. Details and sources are on each guide. Official filing office: maine.gov.
Choose a Business Structure in Maine
LLC in Maine
Flexible structure with liability protection and pass-through taxation.
Corporation in Maine
Formal structure ideal for raising capital and issuing stock.
S-Corp in Maine
A federal tax election (IRS Form 2553) for an LLC or corporation.
Nonprofit in Maine
Tax-exempt status for charitable, educational, or religious purposes.
Partnership in Maine
Simple structure for two or more owners sharing profits and losses.
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