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Maine Limited Liability Company Form

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Maine Certificate of Formation and Filer Contact Letter

MAINE

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

STATE OF MAINE

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

Filing Fee $175.00

Deputy Secretary of State

A True Copy When Attested By Signature

Deputy Secretary of State

Pursuant to 31 MRSA §1531, the undersigned executes and delivers the following Certificate of Formation:

FIRST:

The name of the limited liability company is:

(A limited liability company name must contain the words "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC" or, in the case of a low-profit limited liability company, "L3C" or "l3c" - see 31 MRSA 1508.)

SECOND:

Filing Date: (select one)

Date of this filing; or

Later effective date (specified here):

THIRD:

Designation as a low profit LLC (Check only if applicable):

This is a low-profit limited liability company pursuant to 31 MRSA §1611 meeting all qualifications set forth here:

  1. The company intends to qualify as a low-profit limited liability company;
  2. The company must at all times significantly further the accomplishment of one or more of the charitable or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended, revised or succeeded, and must list the specific charitable or educational purposes the company will further;
  3. No significant purpose of the company is the production of income or the appreciation of property. The fact that a person produces significant income or capital appreciation is not, in the absence of other factors, conclusive evidence of a significant purpose involving the production of income or the appreciation of property; and
  4. No purpose of the company is to accomplish one or more political or legislative purpose within the meaning of Section 170(c)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or its successor.

FOURTH:

Designation as a professional LLC (Check only applicable):

This is a professional limited liability company* formed pursuant to 13 MRSA Chapter 22-A to provide the following professional services:

FIFTH:

The Registered Agent is a: (select either a Commercial or Noncommercial Registered Agent)

Commercial Registered Agent

CRA Public Number:

Noncommercial Registered Agent

SIXTH:

Pursuant to 5 MRSA §105.2, the registered agent listed above has consented to serve as the registered agent for this limited liability company.

SEVENTH:

Other matters the members determine to include are set forth in the attached Exhibit and made a part hereof.

**Authorized person(s)

(Signature of authorized person)

(Signature of authorized person)

Dated

(Type or print name of authorized person)

(Type or print name of authorized person)

*Examples of professional service limited liability companies are accountants, attorneys, chiropractors, dentists, registered nurses and veterinarians. (This is not an inclusive list – see 13 MRSA §723.7)

**Pursuant to 31 MRSA §1676.1.A, Certificate of Formation MUST be signed by at least one authorized person.

The execution of this certificate constitutes an oath or affirmation under the penalties of false swearing under 17-A MRSA §453.

Please remit your payment made payable to the Maine Secretary of State.

Submit completed form to:

Secretary of State

Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions

101 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Telephone Inquiries: (207) 624-7752

Email Inquiries: CEC.Corporations@Maine.gov

Filer Contact Cover Letter

To:

Department of the Secretary of State

Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions

101 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Tel. (207) 624-7752

Name of Entity (s):

List type of filing(s) enclosed (i.e. Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Merger, Articles of Amendment, Certificate of Correction, etc.) Attach additional pages as needed.

Special handling request(s): (check all that apply)

Hold for pick up

Expedited filing - 24 hour service ($50 additional filing fee per entity, per service)

Expedited filing - Immediate service ($100 additional filing fee per entity, per service)

Total filing fee(s) enclosed: $

Contact Information – questions regarding the above filing(s), please call or email: (failure to provide a contact name and telephone number or email address will result in the return of the erroneous filing (s) by the Secretary of State's office)

The enclosed filing(s) and fee(s) are submitted for filing. Please return the attested copy to the following address:

Enter text

What the Maine Limited Liability Company Form Is

The Maine Limited Liability Company Form is the official state filing used to create a limited liability company (LLC) under Maine law. Commonly completed as Articles of Organization or a State LLC form, it registers the company name, registered agent, principal office, and management structure with the Maine Secretary of State to establish the LLC as a legal entity authorized to transact business in Maine.

Why filing the Maine LLC Form matters

Filing the Maine Limited Liability Company Form creates a separate legal entity that limits owner liability, establishes formal governance, and enables the business to open accounts, hire staff, and satisfy state tax and licensing requirements.

Why filing the Maine LLC Form matters

Who commonly completes the Maine LLC Form

The form is used by founders and representatives who need to register a business in Maine and create an LLC recognized by the state.

  • New business owners and entrepreneurs filing an LLC to separate personal liability and formalize operations.
  • Small business accountants or attorneys preparing state formation documents and ensuring compliance.
  • Real estate investors and holding-entity organizers creating LLCs for property ownership or asset protection.

In many cases a combination of founder input and professional review (accountant or attorney) reduces errors and speeds processing.

Typical signatories and preparers

Organizer

An individual or business that completes and files the Articles of Organization. The organizer signs or authorizes the filing and may be an attorney, founder, or third-party filing service. The organizer must provide accurate name and contact details to ensure the state accepts the filing.

Member or Manager

An LLC member or an appointed manager who will sign operating documents or certify information. This signer often verifies management structure and initial capital contributions and should match the names used in the operating agreement and bank records.

Step-by-step: Filing the Maine LLC Form

A typical Maine LLC formation follows a few consistent steps. Complete these tasks in order to reduce errors and get the entity registered quickly.

  • 01
    Choose a Name: Confirm availability and include the required LLC designator.
  • 02
    Designate Registered Agent: Provide a physical Maine address and agent contact details.
  • 03
    Prepare Articles: Complete the Articles of Organization with required fields.
  • 04
    File and Pay: Submit the form to the Secretary of State and pay the filing fee.

Configure an online filing workflow for the Maine LLC Form

When using an electronic workflow, configure fields and authentication to match Maine filing requirements and your internal approval path.

Field Mapping and Auto-fill Settings Map form fields to template variables to pre-fill organizer and address data automatically.
Conditional Fields and Logic Use conditional fields for optional sections such as duration or series structure when applicable.
Signer Authentication Method Require email confirmation or SMS code to confirm signer identity for key signatures.
Routing and Approval Order Set sequential routing so organizers, members, and filing agents sign in the required order.
Document Retention and Export Configure automatic PDF export and store execution certificates alongside the signed form.

Where to send and what to expect after filing

After submission, understand the destinations and next steps so you can complete downstream registrations and operational tasks.

  • File With Secretary of State: Submit Articles of Organization to the Maine Secretary of State by online portal or mail.
  • Receive Confirmation: State issues a filing acknowledgement and official formation date once accepted.
  • Obtain EIN: Apply to the IRS for an EIN to open bank accounts and hire employees.
  • Register for State Taxes: Register with Maine revenue authorities for withholding and sales tax as required.

Digital filing and signing requirements for Maine LLC formation

Electronic preparation and signature streamline formation but must meet authentication and retention expectations.

  • Document formats supported: PDF, DOCX, and native templates are accepted for e-submission and archiving.
  • Authentication and identity: Use email confirmation, SMS codes, or stronger ID verification for signer attribution.
  • Integrations for filing: Integrate with storage and ERP systems such as Google Workspace, NetSuite, and Microsoft 365.

Ensure your chosen platform captures an audit trail, supports required file formats, and retains signed records for compliance.

Key elements included on a professional Maine Limited Liability Company Form

A properly constructed Articles of Organization or Maine LLC form contains a concise set of statutory elements. Include these to meet state filing standards and to reduce follow-up requests from the filing office.

Official Form Title

A clear title such as 'Articles of Organization' or 'Certificate of Formation' indicates the document’s purpose and helps the Secretary of State process the filing correctly; using the official form reduces rejection risk.

Entity Name and Designator

The full legal name plus an LLC designator ensures the business name complies with state naming rules and distinguishes the entity from other registered names in Maine.

Registered Agent Details

Name and physical street address of the registered agent are required for service of process and official notices; P.O. boxes are generally not acceptable for this field.

Management Structure

Indicate whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed and designate managers if required, matching the operating agreement language.

Organizer and Execution

The organizer signs and submits the filing. The execution block must be completed by the organizer or authorized representative to validate the filing.

Effective Date

State the date the LLC becomes effective if different from the filing date; this impacts tax and contractual obligations and should be explicit.

Downloads, formats, and supporting documents to include

Prepare the primary filing package and supplemental documents to streamline formation and post-filing setup.

Download Formats

Save completed forms as PDF/A for archival and as editable DOCX for internal recordkeeping; retain one signed PDF with an audit trail for legal evidence.

Operating Agreement

Although not always filed with the state, an operating agreement governing member rights and management is essential to define internal operations and protect limited liability.

EIN Application

Obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS after formation to open bank accounts, hire employees, and file federal tax returns.

Local Licenses and Permits

Include any municipal business licenses or professional permits required for the LLC’s activities to avoid compliance gaps after state formation.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Follow these best practices to reduce rejection rates, speed state acceptance, and ensure consistency across business records.

Reserve and verify your LLC name ahead
Check name availability at the Maine Secretary of State, reserve if possible, and match the exact spelling and punctuation on all records to avoid administrative holds.
Use consistent addresses and names
Ensure organizer, registered agent, member, and manager names match other corporate records and bank account applications to prevent identity mismatches.
Keep an operating agreement ready
Draft and store an operating agreement at formation; it clarifies ownership, voting, and profit distribution, and supports liability protections.
Retain the signed filing packet
Keep a signed PDF with an audit trail and a state-stamped copy in your records for compliance, banking, and investor due diligence.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Using an unavailable or confusing business name that triggers a state office hold and delays processing.
  • Entering an incorrect registered agent address or P.O. box where a street address is required.
  • Failing to sign or date the organizer block, leading to an immediate rejection by the filing office.
  • Omitting management structure or using inconsistent language with the operating agreement, creating governance ambiguity.

Risks and penalties from incorrect filings

Filing Rejection: Form returned for correction; processing delayed.
Registered Agent Error: Service of process may fail; legal exposure increases.
Inaccurate Ownership: Conflict in member records and bank account setup.
Late State Filings: Late fees or administrative penalties may apply.
Tax Consequences: Missed registrations can trigger penalties for withholding or sales taxes.
Name Conflicts: Injunctions or required renaming if infringing existing names.

eSignature vendor comparison for filing and executing forms

Common capability and pricing points for eSignature vendors used when preparing and signing formation documents. signNow is listed first per comparison protocol.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Notarization and witness steps for execution and authentication

When notarization or witnesses are needed, follow a consistent eight-step workflow to ensure valid execution and a defensible record.

01

Determine Requirement

Confirm whether the Maine filing or supporting documents require notarization or witness signatures.

02

Select Notary Type

Choose in-person notary or Remote Online Notarization if Maine permits RON for the document.

03

Prepare IDs

Ensure signers have valid government-issued photo ID for identity verification.

04

Schedule the Session

Book an in-person appointment or RON session and confirm required participants.

05

Sign in Presence

Sign the document in the notary’s presence or within the RON session per procedure.

06

Notary Certificate

Notary completes and attaches the acknowledgment or jurat and records the event in the notary journal.

07

File with State

Submit the notarized document or the non-notarized state form according to Maine filing rules.

08

Retain Records

Keep a state-stamped copy and the notarization record in your business retention system.

How the Articles of Organization differs from an Operating Agreement

These two documents serve different roles in LLC formation. Use this quick comparison to understand which is filed and which governs internal operations.

Document Articles of Organization Operating Agreement
Primary Purpose create llc govern internal rules
Filed With State
Typical Contents name, agent, structure ownership, voting, distributions
Legal Effect public formation record private contractual governance

FAQs and troubleshooting for the Maine Limited Liability Company Form

Answers to common questions encountered when completing and filing the Maine LLC formation paperwork.


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