Starting a New Business?

In the not so distant past starting a business was just about what you wanted to sell opposed to what type of entity you should choose and how you should you pay yourself. Back when times were simple and lawyers less abundant all one really needed to do was hang a sign outside the shop to tell the world they were in business. Now starting a business is all about what type of entity should be chosen and how the owner should be compensated.

Common Business Types

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Partnership
• LLC
• Corporation
• S-Corporation

Naming a Business in Maine

• Corporate Name Search
• Maine Marks Guide
• Protecting your Business Name

Getting Started in Business in Maine

• Basics of Incorporating in Maine
• Maine Business Resources
• Business Entities: How to Choose (link to .pdf)
• Tips for Maintaining an S-Corporation Identity (link to .pdf)

Does Maine Have Laws for Corporations?

• Maine Business Corporation Act

Does Maine Have Laws for Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs)?

• Maine Rules for LLC’s

Business Filing Requirements

• Annual Report Filing
• Create and Mail Annual Report
• File Annual Report Online

Government Links

• Maine - Businesses
• Office of Licensing and Registration
• Maine Economic Development
• Secretary of State - Corporations

Taxation

• Maine Revenue Services
• Federal Tax Forms Required For Various Business Structures
• IRS Publications for Small Businesses

Employer Links

• Maine Department of Labor
• Unemployment Insurance

General

• Small Business Events in Maine
• State Agencies
• Maine Laws and Regulations
• Cities, Towns, & Counties
• Procurement and Vendor Information
• Information for Small Businesses
• Business Answers Online

General Forms

• Employer Identification Number (ss4 .pdf)
• Subchapter S Election (2553 .pdf)
• Maine Articles of Incorporation (.pdf)
• Maine Articles of Organization – LLC (.pdf)