The legal business form of the LLC, or Limited Liability Company, offers the benefits of several other traditional business forms. An LLC has the same advantage of limited liability that a corporation does, but without being taxed as its own entity. Instead, it's taxed more similarly to a sole proprietorship or partnership. Like a corporation, the LLC can also have an unlimited amount of shareholders, called members. Unlike a corporation however, if a member dies, files for bankruptcy, or otherwise leaves the LLC, the company is dissolved. For hundreds of years, limited liability has been a primary goal of some business forms, but since the Maine legislature enacted laws authorizing its formation, the modern LLC has become more and more popular.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

Businesses in Maine can organize using whatever form they choose. The office of the Secretary of State is the organization that accepts filings by those who want to open LLC's. However, there may be an additional fee required for forming your LLC, determined by Maine laws that govern the formation and actions of LLC's. These laws should certainly help you decide whether to organize as an LLC. The business structure that is appropriate for your business may take some effort to find, but finding the right business form can reward you with increased profitability.

Can I Change the Form of My Business to an LLC?

Businesses in Gardiner may sometimes change form. A company is eligible for conversion to an LLC if its situation falls under circumstances that are detailed by Maine law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The decision of whether to form or convert to a LLC is best considered with the advice of local Attorneys practicing business law in Maine.