6 Best Registered Agent Services in Maine to Try in 2024

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: October 19, 2024
FACT CHECKED by Lou Viveros, Growth & Transition Advisor
Methodology
We diligently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides. By interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions. Learn more

According to the IBISWorld, the national registered agent service market, including Maine, is expected to reach $7.5 billion by 2027, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 5%.

To establish an LLC in Maine, partnering with a professional registered agent is crucial. They help ensure compliance with state regulations and manage essential paperwork.

My team of legal advisors and I conducted thorough research on top registered agent companies.

And sure enough, we were able to identify the best registered agent service in Maine to inform your decision.


Top 6 Best Agent Services in Maine (November 2024)

1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Rated 4.85/5
Two businessmen having a talk with each other
4.9
Support
4.7
Price
4.8
Privacy and Security
4.9
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
4.8
Features
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Northwest protects your address from public records.
  • Tailor services to your specific needs for flexibility.
  • Highly praised customer support for expertise and responsiveness.
  • Exclusive discount available for Venture Smarter readers.
  • Proven reliability with over 25 years in business.
  • Emphasizes data privacy, no selling of customer information.
Cons
  • Mandatory agent appointment for LLC formation.
  • Lack of BBB accreditation may raise concerns.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • For businesses that need reliable, comprehensive registered agent services across multiple states. Not for those seeking the cheapest option.

Who is it not for?

  • Northwest offers robust privacy protections and expert support, making it ideal for businesses that need a reliable and comprehensive service. The cost is higher, but the value provided justifies the expense, especially for businesses operating in multiple states.
Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)?

I remember when I was in the early phases of my company journey, feeling burdened with all the legalities. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a game-changer. Their two decades of experience shone through as they addressed each of my concerns promptly and thoroughly.

In the United States, where small companies hire 61.6 million workers, making up 45.9% of the nation’s workforce according to the Small Business Economic Profile, the solutions provided by Northwest Registered Agent made the LLC formation process straightforward and intuitive.

The initial filing was completed in just 9 minutes, with everything wrapped up within 72 hours, even though we chose a 5-day service and began on a Saturday. Their focus on accuracy and service were evident throughout.

Using PrivacybyDefault made sure that we could forget about protecting our privacy.

LLC Formation Packages:

  • Basic Plan ($39 + State Fee): Standard LLC formation service with additional state filing fees, including one year of free registered agent service if you create your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent.
  • Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($224 + State Fee): Expedited filing, a full year of registered agent service, free restricted mail forwarding, an operating agreement, and a client account filled with free forms and various resources.
  • Registered Agent Services ($125): After you set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you are given the first year of this service for free. Afterward, it will be billed annually. Discounted to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state businesses.

2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)

Rated 4.75/5
A business man using a laptop as a background for ZenBusiness logo
4.8
Support
4.6
Price
4.7
Privacy and Security
4.8
Compliance Alerts
4.9
User Ratings
4.7
Features
Sign Up To ZenBusiness

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Embraces social responsibility and community engagement.
  • Assists small businesses with services and grants.
  • Streamlined, fast purchase process.
  • Offers flexibility with Registered Agent.
Cons
  • Registered Agent not included in formation plans.
  • Extra cost for annual report filing and compliance.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • For new and small businesses seeking affordable and user-friendly registered agent services. Not suitable for very large businesses.

Who is it not for?

  • ZenBusiness offers an affordable and streamlined service that is particularly attractive to small businesses and startups. Their user-friendly platform and effective customer support simplify the process of maintaining compliance.
Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)?

When we were exploring options for one of our startups, ZenBusiness stood out with its competitive pricing and user-friendly platform. Their focus on customer service was evident when we had queries, making the process seamless.

ZenBusiness's $199 price point for registered agent services is also very reasonable compared to other options in the market.

Additionally, their platform is easy to navigate, and we found it convenient to use their software to keep track of and archive our company's annual reports.

This company offers banking services and a bank account to help keep your finances secure and organized. Additionally, it assists you in tracking your income and expenses, free of charge for the first month.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($199): The annual renewal for the registered agents is $199.
  • Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $175 State Fee): This membership includes both the basic company filing service and a name availability search. This LLC filing service takes the standard filing time of 7 to 10 business days on average. For $0, plus the state fee, you will get a 100% accuracy guarantee. With Starter you can get optional worry-free compliance free for a full year. After 12 months you can renew it for $199 per year.
  • Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $175 State Fee): Basic Package features and extra LLC formation services in Maine, are included here, such as the fastest ''rush'' filing speed of 1 business day. Next to swift business formation, with Pro plan you will get an operating agreement to help you structure internal operations, and minimize conflicts, making processes fast and structured. Included EIN will streamline the process of interacting with the IRS.
  • Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $175 State Fee): The Premium option enhances Pro features by including business document templates for improved time and process management. These templates are carefully designed to reduce time-consuming and monotonous tasks, which can also be expensive. With the Premium option, you will have access to 1-day filing speed, bookkeeping (free for a month), and a customizable website builder, also available free of charge for a month.

3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

Rated 4.68/5
bizee
4.7
Support
4.6
Price
4.6
Privacy and Security
4.7
Compliance Alerts
4.8
User Ratings
4.7
Features
Sign Up To Bizee

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Free 1-year Registered Agent included with all packages.
  • Established for over 25 years, underscoring our proven reliability.
  • Affordable Registered Agent Service, priced at only $119.
  • User-Friendly Dashboard: Easy navigation and access to services.
Cons
  • Document scanning isn't always prompt.
  • Customer support only available Monday-Friday.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • For startups and entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective solution with basic registered agent services. Not for those needing advanced features.

Who is it not for?

  • IncFile provides an economical option for basic registered agent needs, making it suitable for new businesses that want a straightforward service. While it may not offer extensive features, it is adequate for those just starting out.
Would you recommend Bizee (Most Affordable)?

Bizee's (formerly Incfile) combination of affordability, comprehensive services, and a focus on client support makes it a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses efficiently.

The company's Learning Center is also a great resource for business owners who need guidance on various topics related to starting and managing a business.

Additionally, Bizee's virtual mailbox service allows international companies to obtain a primary Maine street address for their business entity along with a commercial registered agent office location.

As their clients, we had access to Bizee's Business Growth Dashboard, which consolidated business essentials in one place, including compliance alerts and reminders.

Bizee is known for its customer support and has been utilized by over a million entrepreneurs across all 50 states, indicating a high level of trust and reliability in their services.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly but still decent service, we would recommend Bizee.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services ($119): This is a yearly subscription, but if you let Bizee form the LLC for you, the first year of Maine registered agents comes at no cost to you.
  • Free Silver LLC Formation Package ($0 + $175 State Fee): There are Articles of Organization preparation and filing features, as well as a year of free registered agent service, and unlimited name searches.
  • Bizee Gold LLC Formation Package ($199 + $175 State Fee): There are banking resolutions, an online access dashboard, and a tax advice option. This package also includes the Silver bundle, as well as an EIN business tax number, IRS Form 2553, and an operating agreement.
  • Platinum LLC Formation Package ($299 + $175 State Fee): The package includes the Gold Package, as well as free business websites, domain registrations, and business contract templates. Users can also file for free the next day.

4 - LegalZoom (Best Premium)

Rated 4.55/5
Legalzoom logo with coworkers doing work in the background
4.6
Support
4.3
Price
4.6
Privacy and Security
4.6
Compliance Alerts
4.6
User Ratings
4.6
Features
Sign Up To LegalZoom

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Offers expert legal counsel and support.
  • Convenient cloud storage for document management.
  • Diverse collection of free business templates.
Cons
  • Relatively higher LLC service costs.
  • Top-tier registered agent service, but pricey.
  • Continuous efforts to upsell extra services.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • For larger businesses or those needing a range of additional legal services. Not the best choice for budget-conscious small businesses.

Who is it not for?

  • LegalZoom's registered agent services are comprehensive and come with the backing of a well-established legal services provider. This makes them suitable for businesses that also need frequent legal services and can afford a premium.
Would you recommend LegalZoom (Best Premium)?

We once faced a complex legal challenge while setting up a subsidiary, and LegalZoom was our go-to. They not only assisted with the LLC formation in Maine but also provided customized registered agent services tailored to our business needs

This includes document filing, legal paperwork management, and guidance on business formation, taxation, and other legal matters.

The service ensures you're informed of filing deadlines and any forms you need to submit to the Maine Secretary of State.

We found LegalZoom's pre-filled Operating Agreement to be incredibly convenient and were impressed with the professionalism and expertise of their support teams, who provided valuable guidance throughout the process.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services ($299): You'll pay $249 to form an LLC with them for the first year alongside Maine registered agents. After that, renewal would cost $299. The service features include alerts on emails, a compliance calendar, unlimited online storage, and a $ 1M worth of impersonation theft.
  • LLC Basic Formation Package ($0 + $175 State Fee): The package provides you with a thorough digital LLC welcome packet and articles of organization. In addition, there is an extensive name search and a customizable website.
  • LLC Pro Formation Package ($249 + $175 State Fee): The plan includes all Basic package features with an operating agreement, an EIN, and important consultations on insurance and taxes. In addition, you also get a detailed business licensing guide.
  • LLC Premium Formation Package ($299 + $175 State Fee): This plan covers everything in the Pro package. Along with that, it offers an engaging guide from a Miane business attorney specialist. You'll also get updates to your formation documents and 30-minute unlimited consultations from a legal attorney for the first 90 subscription days.

5 - Rocket Lawyer

Rocketlawyer logo with an office person in the background

In the early days of our business, we often turned to Rocket Lawyer for legal guidance. Their range of services, from simple document templates to more intricate legal assistance, was invaluable.

Rocket Lawyer offers a premium membership for $39.99 per month, giving access to various premium features and a 25% discount on the company's registered agent service.

According to Rocket Lawyer website, they've helped over 20 million businesses, families, and individuals make legal documents.

We found the representative we talked with to be a highly skilled attorney and we appreciated their user-friendly platform that allowed us to quickly generate legal documents and obtain legal advice.

If you are not sure about using Rocket Lawyer, they offer a 7-day free trial so that you can try out their premium features and get a sense of how the company works.

Sign Up To Rocket Lawyer

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Provides a comprehensive suite of legal services.
  • Document Defense® enhances contract protection.
  • Free consultations with legal experts available.
Cons
  • Concerns regarding unexpected charges.
  • Billing complexities during free trials.
  • Accessibility issues with customer support.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($149.99 for non-members): Members will receive a 25% discount to get their own registered agent, while monthly membership costs $39.99.
  • LLC Formation Package ($99.99 + $175 State Fee): It's free with a $39.99 monthly membership. You may be eligible for free legal documentation and attorney services, as well as a free LLC creation and a discount of 25% on registered agent services.

6 - MyCompanyWorks

Rated 4.57/5
MyCompanyWorks logo with a business woman doing paperwork in the background
4.6
Support
4.4
Price
4.6
Privacy and Security
4.6
Compliance Alerts
4.6
User Ratings
4.6
Features
Sign Up To MyCompanyWorks

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • MyCompanyWorks offers affordability at just $99/year, ideal for budget-conscious businesses.
  • Consistently high customer ratings from thousands of satisfied clients showcase their excellence.
  • Exceptionally quick response times, with most inquiries handled within 20 minutes during business hours.
Cons
  • Limited phone support, restricted to weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM PST.
  • The refund policy includes processing fees and becomes void after document submission to the state.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • For small to mid-sized businesses looking for straightforward registered agent services with a strong customer focus. Not for those requiring extensive global services.

Who is it not for?

  • MyCompanyWorks is suited for businesses that appreciate simplicity and efficiency in their registered agent service. They provide reliable compliance and privacy protection, making them a good choice for U.S.-based businesses that do not operate on a global scale.
Would you recommend MyCompanyWorks?

MyCompanyWorks is a business formation service with years of experience, having helped over 60,000 entrepreneurs in establishing their business entities in Maine.

Their satisfaction guarantee is 100%, and you're entitled to a 90-day free refund.

The company also offers a Startup Wizard, an online checklist tool that helps entrepreneurs launch their companies.

We were impressed with the quality of their services, which effectively handled court documents and IRS communications to keep us up-to-date on essential matters.

However, MyCompanyWorks only offers free registered agent services if you purchase either the entrepreneur package or the complete package. There are no additional fees for the next year.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($99): The Entrepreneur Package and the Complete Package both provide one year of free registered agent service.
  • Basic LLC Formation Package ($59 + $175 State Fee): This package includes organizational minutes, an LLC operating agreement, and tailored operational management. There is also the opening of a business bank account.
  • Entrepreneur LLC Formation Package ($179 + $175 State Fee): Users will get access to everything in the Basic Package. In addition, they will receive lifetime documents and tax instructions, a one-year registered agent service, and a federal tax ID.
  • Complete LLC Formation Package ($259 + $175 State Fee): There is a premium plan that contains all of the previous two tiers' service features, as well as initial and yearly report filing service. In addition, the bundle includes compliance lock notifications, automated minutes and resolutions, corporate entity monitoring, and priority assistance.

Why Should You Trust Us

You should trust Venture Smarter because our team has meticulously evaluated and interacted with numerous service providers, leveraging the insights of experienced legal advisors to bring you unbiased, evidence-based recommendations. Our selection process is rigorous, focusing on compliance, privacy, and customer support to ensure that our recommendations meet the specific needs of Maine entrepreneurs.

By choosing Venture Smarter, you're leveraging a team that values transparency, integrity, and your business's success above all else. Our commitment to your business extends beyond the formation process, understanding that maintaining legal compliance is just the beginning.

Venture Smarter's top picks, including our Editor's Choice, are based on a combination of security, privacy, customer service, and value for money, ensuring that your business is well-equipped to maintain its legal standing and thrive in Maine's dynamic business environment.

How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Maine?

Our methodology for selecting the best registered agent service in Maine is a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, taking into account various critical aspects that impact the effectiveness and reliability of these services.

We considered various aspects such as pricing, customer support, service features, turnaround time, third-party reviews, confidentiality, ease of use, and transition process.

Services are ranked based on their performance across all criteria.

1. Service Features

Comprehensive service features ensure that businesses can manage legal requirements efficiently. Features like compliance alerts, online dashboards, and additional services like mail forwarding are crucial for smooth operations.

Northwest Registered Agent was rated 5/5 for its comprehensive features including a compliance calendar and free mail forwarding.

In contrast, services with fewer advanced features, such as MyCompanyWorks, might not meet the needs of businesses requiring more comprehensive support.

"In Maine's evolving business landscape, a registered agent is not just a legal requirement; it's a strategic asset. The best services offer more than just document handling; they provide peace of mind and allow business owners to focus on growth rather than paperwork."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

2. Turnaround Time

Quick collection and relay of legal documents are crucial to maintaining compliance and responding to legal requirements promptly.

Companies like Bizee and ZenBusiness, known for their swift processing, were rated 5/5 as they are preferable for businesses that value speed.

Others like Rocket Lawyer with slower turnaround times might not be as suitable for time-sensitive operations.

3. Customer Support

Efficient customer support is vital for timely and accurate assistance, especially in legal matters where delays can have significant consequences.

The best services offer multiple communication channels like phone, email, and live chat.

ZenBusiness provided extended chat support, ensuring accessibility. The response time and the nature of the human interaction also played a crucial role in the effectiveness of customer support.

In contrast, Bizee had more limited support options.

4. Pricing

Price is a critical factor, especially for new or small businesses with limited budgets. It's essential to find a balance between cost and quality of service. A high price doesn't always guarantee superior service, and a low price might mean compromised features or support.

In Maine, registered agent services range from $99 to $299 annually. For instance, MyCompanyWorks offers a competitive rate of $99 per year, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses.

On the other end, LegalZoom, with its $299 fee, is pricier, potentially aligning with businesses looking for premium services.

5. Third-Party Reviews

Reviews provide insights into customer satisfaction and service reliability. Platforms like TrustPilot offer unbiased user feedback.

Companies with high ratings and positive reviews on platforms like TrustPilot are generally more reliable. For instance, Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness have garnered positive feedback, indicating high customer satisfaction.

6. Confidentiality

In the digital age, data protection is paramount. Businesses must ensure their registered agent service maintains strict confidentiality to prevent data breaches.

Services that prioritize data protection, like Northwest Registered Agent, are preferable. Any history of data breaches or lax security measures in a service provider should be a red flag.

7. Ease of Use

A user-friendly platform simplifies the management of legal documents and compliance, saving time and reducing errors.

Companies with intuitive online platforms, such as ZenBusiness, enhance user experience, while those with more complex systems like Rocket Lawyer might deter users.

8. Transition Process

A seamless transition to a new registered agent service is crucial to avoid any gaps in legal coverage.

Services like Northwest Registered Agent that facilitate an easy transition process, providing comprehensive support and guidance, are ideal.

How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Maine?

The best Maine registered agent services can cost between $99 to $299 per year, depending on the level of service required. Many of these services also provide add-ons.

You may benefit from choosing a cheap registered agent because this is a significant price that adds to the cost of forming an LLC in Maine.

Alternatively, you can act as your own registered agent for free if you're of legal age and have a physical address in Maine.

Requirements For A Maine Registered Agent

A person writing a document

A registered agent in Maine (clerk) is responsible for the following duties under Maine law (Title 5: Chapter 6-A: Model Registered Agents Act, 114):

  • Must be 18 years of age and above and can receive documents for your business.
  • Send notifications upon receipt of service of process or official mail.
  • Be available during regular business hours at a physical mailing address in-state to accept legal documents (service of process) and official mail.
  • Keep the registered office address and contact information updated.

If you aren't satisfied with your current agent, you can change the registered agent in Maine at any time.

FAQs

Why Do I Need a Registered Agent for My LLC in Maine?

A registered agent is a mandatory procedure by the state for business owners when starting an LLC. All Maine LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits must choose and maintain a professional Maine registered agent service and office.

What Happens if My Maine Registered Agent Is Unable to Meet Their Duties?

Failure of your Maine registered agent to meet their duties could be detrimental to your company. For instance, a misplaced legal document could result in legal action against your business without your knowledge.

Our Verdict on the Best Registered Agent Service in Maine

From our practical journey in setting up businesses, we've realized the importance of having a reliable registered agent. After diving deep into the offerings in Maine, we can confidently say that Northwest Registered Agent stands out.

Their commitment to privacy, coupled with their comprehensive services, made our LLC management a breeze. The added bonus of compliance notifications and a tailored filing calendar was a lifesaver for us.

If you're in Maine and need a registered agent, we'd personally recommend giving Northwest a shot.

Our #1 Recommendation

Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Two businessmen having a talk with each other
Rated 4.85/5
4.9
Support
4.7
Price
4.8
Privacy and Security
4.9
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
4.8
Features
Pros
  • Northwest protects your address from public records.
  • Tailor services to your specific needs for flexibility.
  • Highly praised customer support for expertise and responsiveness.
  • Exclusive discount available for Venture Smarter readers.
  • Proven reliability with over 25 years in business.
  • Emphasizes data privacy, no selling of customer information.
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
Cons
  • Mandatory agent appointment for LLC formation.
  • Lack of BBB accreditation may raise concerns.

About The Author

Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Growth & Transition Advisor
LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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