Selecting an original name for your company is the first step in creating an LLC in Maine. The name cannot be used by another Maine-registered business organization. Additionally, you must make sure that the name you select does not sound too much like the name of another company. On the website of the Maine Secretary of State, you can conduct a name search.
The second step is to select a registered agent. Every LLC in Maine is required by law to have a registered agent, who may be an individual or a company that consents to accept legal paperwork on your LLC’s behalf. Your registered agent must be present during regular business hours and have a physical address in Maine. You have two options for choosing your registered agent: you, someone you trust, or a registered agent service.
Step 3: Submit Articles of Incorporation Articles of Organization must then be submitted to the Maine Secretary of State. Basic details concerning your LLC, such as its name, registered agent, and company address, are required on the form. The form can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. For online or paper files, the filing fee is $175; for in-person submissions, it is $200.
Create an operating agreement in step four. Although it is not necessary under Maine law, you should draft an operating agreement for your LLC. This document, which also aids in preventing future member disputes, describes the ownership and administration structure of your LLC. Depending on the requirements of your LLC, an operating agreement may be straightforward or complex.
The manner of filing and the volume of work being done by the Secretary of State’s office both affect how long it takes to form an LLC in Maine. Online filings are typically completed more quickly than paper filings, while filings made in person are typically processed the same day. It’s vital to keep in mind that it could take up to a few weeks for the state to provide you your Certificate of Formation.
In conclusion, creating an LLC in Maine is a simple procedure that can be finished in a few quick stages. The main steps in founding an LLC are selecting a distinctive name, designating a registered agent, submitting Articles of Organization, and drafting an operating agreement. While a registered agent is necessary, you might choose to serve as your own registered agent or choose another reliable individual or business. It’s significant to remember that the length of time it takes to form an LLC in Maine varies and that you could need to wait several weeks to get your Certificate of Formation from the state.