With over 3,478 miles of coastline, bustling cities, and beautiful nature preserves, there are many business opportunities in Maine. If you’re launching a business in Maine, you’ll need a registered agent. Like other states, Maine requires all businesses registered with the Secretary of State to appoint a registered agent to receive official business correspondence.
Look for a Maine registered agent that offers reliability, as missing a critical deadline could mean your business could lose the authority to function in Maine. Read on to understand the responsibility of a Maine registered agent and tips to select the best option for your business.
What Is a Maine Registered Agent?
A Maine registered agent, sometimes called a resident agent, will receive official mail correspondence from the government and the public on behalf of a business. If you’re excited about launching your Maine business, you’ll need a registered agent for any business entity registered with the Secretary of State. That includes a partnership, non-profit, Maine corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).
An individual or company with a physical address in Maine can serve as the registered agent. To be a registered agent, the individual or company must have an office in Maine open during regular business hours.
The good news is that the registered agent doesn’t have to be an owner or director of the LLC or corporation. You can hire a registered agent service or appoint someone as a registered agent.
What Is a Registered Office in Maine?
A registered office in Maine is the physical location of the registered agent. It is the address available on the public record that must be open during regular business hours.
What Are the Legal Duties of a Maine Registered Agent?
The legal duties of a Maine registered agent are to receive official correspondence, including legal summons, process servers, tax documents, or other legal documents.
The registered agent acts as a mailbox or delivery service for business entities such as an LLC or a corporation.
The registered agent is responsible for forwarding all correspondence to the Maine LLC members or business owners. Possible communications a Maine registered agent receives and forwards include:
- Government correspondence
- Business documents, such as a notice of the annual report
- Litigation documents or a process server related to a lawsuit against the entity
- Legal documents, such as a subpoena
- Other compliance-related documents, like correspondence from an insurance company
Why Is a Registered Agent Required in Maine?
A registered agent is the primary point of contact for the business with the state. A registered agent ensures that the LLC or corporation can receive legal processes and official documents efficiently. Registered agents are required according to Title 5, Chapter 6, Statutes 114 of the Maine Revised Statutes.
Does Maine Require Registered Agent Consents?
Yes, Maine requires a registered agent to consent to the position. On appointment documents, Maine law requires affirmation by the represented entity that the agent has consented to serve as a registered agent.
When Do You Need a Maine Registered Agent?
All Maine and foreign business entities operating in Maine need a registered agent. You need a Maine registered agent for all LLCs, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofits that form or register in Maine. The registered agent must have a physical address and have someone present during normal business hours.
If you decide to change the registered agent or registered office, you’re required to keep the agent’s contact information up-to-date with the Maine Secretary of State Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Maine?
A Maine resident aged 18 or older, a registered Maine business entity, or a foreign business entity authorized to do business in Maine can be a registered agent. A business entity can’t be its own registered agent. However, LLC members or business owners may serve as registered agents. The registered agent must have a physical address in Maine with someone available during regular business hours.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service in Maine?
Choosing a Maine registered agent is an important step to ensure smooth business operations. Consider the following to find the right registered agent service for your company.
Service Cost
The cost of a professional Maine registered agent service ranges from $39 to $300. Consider the price of the service and its value for you to balance cost with reliable service.
Features
While the basic service of receiving and forwarding official mail and communications is non-negotiable, many registered agents offer additional services. This could include online account access, email scanning and forwarding, or online LLC formation to launch your business faster.
Reputation
A registered agent’s reputation for service, value, and privacy is also an important consideration. Look for a registered agent service with strong positive reviews from current and past clients. You can check sites like Google, BBB, and Trustpilot.
Many LLC members choose to use a registered agent to protect their private information. Check that the registered agent maintains privacy while serving as a trusted interface of your company with the public.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Maine Registered Agent?
If you don’t have a registered agent when you file to form an LLC or corporation, the Secretary of State won’t accept your filing. Maine state law requires someone to be available to accept Service of Process for your LLC. You must continuously maintain a registered agent on file as long as the business exists in Maine.
How to Change Registered Agents in Maine?
It’s essential to notify the state when you change your Maine registered agent’s information. To change the registered agents in Maine, you must fill out the statement of change form and pay a $35 registration fee. In Maine, you have the option to pay an extra $50 for a 24-hour expedited filing or an extra $100 for an immediate filing.
You should send the completed form to:
The Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
For telephone inquiries, you can call (207) 624-7752. You can send email inquiries to CEC.Corporations@Maine.gov.
In Maine, you have the option of changing the registered agent from yourself to a professional service, or any other registered agent. You may change registered agents as many times as required, as long as the new registered agent meets all requirements.
Building Your Maine Business
More time to focus on your business can give you with more time to build your business and core offerings. A Maine registered agent offers reliable contact and privacy for your company and ensures you don’t miss any important documents while saving costs.
While getting the best support for your business, Doola bookkeeping services can help. Doola Books offer exceptional bookkeeping service for busy founders so you can focus on growing your core business. Get doola books here to get help with bookkeeping without hiring an accountant.
FAQs
How long does a Maine Registered Agent’s appointment last?
A registered agent’s appointment in Maine lasts until you change the registered agent or the business ceases operations.
Can you appoint an out-of-state Registered Agent for your Maine business?
No, you cannot appoint an out-of-state or foreign registered agent for your Maine business. The registered agent must be a Maine resident or a business operating in Maine.
How much does hiring a professional Registered Agent in Maine cost?
Hiring a professional registered agent in Maine costs between $39 and $300. The higher-priced options usually offer additional services bundled together, like opening an LLC, and mail scanning and forwarding.
Are Maine Registered Agents responsible for any fees or taxes?
No, Maine registered agents aren’t responsible for any fees or taxes. The business owners or LLC members are responsible for all taxes and fees.
Is a Registered Agent’s address public in Maine?
Yes, the address of a registered agent is public record. You can access the name and address of a company’s registered agent with the Secretary of State.
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