Registering an LLC in Maine is just the beginning of successfully running your business. After completing the initial formation steps, there’s one important requirement you’ll need to handle every year: filing an Annual Report. This filing is mandatory for all Maine LLCs and helps keep your business information current with the state.

The purpose of the annual report is to provide the state with information on any material changes to your business. Even if you don’t have changes to report, you still must file each year.

What to know about an annual report in Maine

As a business owner, you will need to make sure your Maine LLC remains in good standing. This means that you comply with the requirements for filing an annual report each year by June 1^st and pay the filing fee of $85 if you are a domestic LLC ($150 if a foreign LLC). Even if your LLC’s business information, such as principal(s), location, or registered agent, remains exactly the same as the previous year, you still must file this LLC annual report.

Overall, the purpose of an annual report is to show your commitment to compliance with the state and to confirm your LLC’s status. In turn, your LLC stays in good standing with the state.

How to file an annual report in Maine

Filing an annual report in Maine is easy and will not, in most cases, take much of your time. You will, however, want to make sure you include all the correct information so as to avoid delays and issues later on. Here are the steps.

Fill out the form with the required information

To file an annual report for your LLC in Maine, you will need to include the following information:

• LLC’s business name
• Primary business address of the LLC
• Member(s)/Manager(s) names and addresses
• The LLC’s business purpose, usually in the form of a brief statement
• Name and contact information for your Registered Agent
• LLC EIN number
• LLC state-assigned Charter Number, which is a unique identifier for your entity and consists of up to nine digits along with a letter(s) specifying business type. For example,
  • Domestic Limited Liability Company: DP
  • Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships: FP
• Filer’s (usually the CEO) digital or signed signature and contact information

Choose one of the filing options 

In Maine, you have three options for how to file your LLC annual report.

Filing online

The quickest and easiest way to file is by utilizing the online filing system provided by Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State. Filing fee payment can be made via credit card or an established subscriber account.

Filing by mail

To file by mail, first go online and enter your Charter Number here. A form will be created, and you can then download and print it to mail to the Secretary of State’s office along with your payment. Payment can be made in the form of a check or money order, payable to the Secretary of State. Be sure to include the charter number for your LLC on the check or money order also. The new address as of December 2024 is as follows:

The Department of the Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions
Ballard Center
6 E Chestnut Street, 5^th Floor
Augusta, ME 04330

You may want to confirm this address first by calling (207) 624-7752.

Filing with a compliance service

Another option is to file through a trusted compliance service. Annual Compliance is a valued service that we offer LLCs in Maine, making sure you meet all necessary state requirements and deadlines.  We will file the annual reports as well as any necessary amended reports.

Pay the filing fee

In addition to filing an annual report for your LLC in Maine, you also need to pay the required filing fee.

If paying online, you can do so via a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover). If mailing a paper copy of your annual report, you will need to include a check or money order made out to the Secretary of State.

The amount of the Annual Report fee will depend on your type of LLC:

• Domestic Limited Liability Company: $85
• Foreign Limited Liability Company: $150

What Happens if you fail to file on time (or at all)?

Maine LLC annual reports are due yearly from January 1^st to June 1^st.  You can file at any time during this timeframe. In order to receive filing reminders/notifications from the Secretary of State’s office, you will need to always have an updated email address on file. The department does not send these notices via postal mail.

If, however, you miss the deadline of June 1st or fail to file altogether, there are consequences that will stay on your record long term, even if you eventually meet all the late requirements. It is essential, then, to be sure to file on time every year so as to avoid potential fees, fines, penalties, or even dissolution, as well as anything negative on your state record.

Late fees and fines

When an annual report is not received by the established deadline, the Department of State will assess a late filing penalty. In Maine, that penalty fee for LLCs is usually $50.

Penalties

In addition to being assessed a late fee, your LLC’s record with the state, which is also public record, will show you as not being in compliance and this could have negative consequences for your business. You will need to pay the late fee and submit your annual report before you will be classified as being in good standing again.

Dissolution or revocation

Failing to file or pay the late fee can result in the following.

• For domestic limited liability companies, administrative dissolution by the State of Maine.
• For a foreign limited liability company, revocation of the LLC’s authority to transact business in Maine.

If dissolution or revocation occurs, you will need to take specific steps to reinstate your LLC within the state of Maine and this can be costly.

Final thoughts

Owning and managing a business is time-consuming, and it is often easy to forget important deadlines when it comes to legal compliance. Understanding this need for compliance early on can help ease some of the unwanted consequences that come with failing to file an annual report and can also keep you on track.

Many companies avoid the risk of forgetting such important compliance measures by hiring us to make sure everything gets done in a timely manner. From filing annual reports to submitting amendments as needed, we keep you compliant in the state of Maine.

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