Learn the basics · Maine
3 Best LLC Services in Maine (2026), Explained
Summary
- What the state charges to file
- $175, charged once
- Later years
- $85 yearly
- Registered agent
- Yes, by law
- Our picks in order
- Mainstay Filing, ME Registered Agent.org then Maine Registered Agent.co
Our Maine recommendations
Best first. See how we pick for the reasoning.1. Mainstay Filing: best for staying out of the paperwork
Pay $199 annually and $175 to the state
The reason Mainstay Filing leads here is that one yearly price of $199 handles the filing, serves as the registered agent and files the annual report, and it renews at $199.
The extra $200 compared with ME Registered Agent.org covers jobs you would otherwise do yourself.
annual report filing is part of the service; the only addition is the state's $85.
Includes
- Your LLC filed with the state
- Registered agent throughout the year
- Annual report prepared and filed for you
- Help applying for an EIN
- State fees without a markup
Points in its favor
- One yearly price: $199
- Includes the EIN application
- The price holds at $199
Where it falls short
- ME Registered Agent.org renews for $100 less each year
2. ME Registered Agent.org: best for a modest first-year bill
Formation $199, agent renewal $99, state fee extra
In second place is ME Registered Agent.org, because three years add up to $397 with the $99 renewal.
Its price leaves out the annual report.
Includes
- The LLC, filed for you
- No agent charge in year one
Points in its favor
- Includes a first year of agent service
- $99 a year afterward
- A formation fee of $199
Where it falls short
- Annual report is your responsibility
- The EIN add-on is $99
3. Maine Registered Agent.co: best for a second local choice
Formation $199, agent renewal $99, state fee extra
In third place is Maine Registered Agent.co, because three years add up to $397 with the $99 renewal.
Its price leaves out the annual report.
It charges exactly what ME Registered Agent.org charges; either would serve you well.
Includes
- The LLC, filed for you
- No agent charge in year one
Points in its favor
- $99 a year afterward
- A formation fee of $199
- Includes a first year of agent service
Where it falls short
- Annual report is your responsibility
- The EIN add-on is $99
How they stack up
| # | Company | Year one | Renewal price | Over three years | What you get | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | Your LLC filed with the state; registered agent throughout the year; annual report prepared and filed for you | Check Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | ME Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | The LLC, filed for you; no agent charge in year one | Check ME Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Maine Registered Agent.co | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | The LLC, filed for you; no agent charge in year one | Check Maine Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Key questions
What will forming an LLC cost me?
$175 goes to the state, and $199 more if you hire a service in year one.
Counting the recurring report, the state collects $345 in the first three years. as of October 2026: legislature.maine.gov
Where does the formation paperwork go?
To get started, file the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6) with the Maine Secretary of State, as the state instructs.
How long the state says it takes: 10 to 15 business days (home page). as of October 2026: legislature.maine.gov
Must I have a registered agent?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial agent: an individual or entity serving as agent in Maine, or the holder of a named position in the company.
as of October 2026: legislature.maine.gov
What does upkeep involve?
Keep up with the annual report each year ($85). According to the state, it is due June 1, which is easy to miss.
Miss the due date and you will owe an extra $50.
as of August 2026: maine.gov
Can I do the filing without help?
Yes. Doing it yourself costs only the state's fees, $345 over three years.
A service adds $397 to $597 over three years to do the filings and, with Mainstay Filing, the reports.
How did you order the services?
Mainstay Filing scores best on how much work the price handles, worth 28% of our ranking.
Five criteria set the order: what three years cost (34%), how much work the price handles (28%), prices spelled out (16%), renewal terms (12%) and reach beyond one state (10%).
Being spared the annual report is worth more to us than a small saving.
What Maine requires
| Requirement | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation fee | $175 | as of October 2026: legislature.maine.gov |
| Registered agent | Yes, by law | as of October 2026: legislature.maine.gov |
| Annual report | $85 every year | as of August 2026: maine.gov |
| State fees across three years | $345 | Added up from the rows above |
More explanations
How long does the state take?
10 to 15 business days (home page).
What about getting an EIN?
Mainstay Filing applies for it at no extra charge. ME Registered Agent.org adds $99; Maine Registered Agent.co adds $99.
Is there a penalty for a late report?
Expect $50 on top.
What is the three-year price of each?
Mainstay Filing at $597, ME Registered Agent.org at $397, Maine Registered Agent.co at $397 in service fees alone.
What are the figures based on?
Maine's official documents supply the state fees, and the companies' price pages supply the service fees.
Which LLC service do you recommend in Maine?
Mainstay Filing ranks first on how much work the price handles, ahead of ME Registered Agent.org and Maine Registered Agent.co.
Official sources and price pages
- Maine Secretary of State, found at maine.gov, confirmed August 2026
- Maine Secretary of State, found at maine.gov, confirmed August 2026
- Maine report due date, found at maine.gov, confirmed August 2026
- 31 M.R.S. sec. 1531, found at legislature.maine.gov, confirmed August 2026
- Maine formation fee: Filing fee, found at legislature.maine.gov, confirmed October 2026
- Maine registered agent statute, found at legislature.maine.gov, confirmed October 2026
- Processing time, official source, found at maine.gov, confirmed October 2026
- Mainstay Filing, Maine service page, accessed November 13, 2026
- ME Registered Agent.org, pricing page, accessed November 13, 2026
- Maine Registered Agent.co, pricing page, accessed November 13, 2026