Maine Amendment
While managing your Maine company, you may realize that change is inevitable. There are times when you have to make changes to the organization. If that happens, you have to be ready to handle all responsibilities. Additionally, you have to make sure that everything is properly reported to the state.
What is A Maine Amendment?
Maine requires all companies to report any major changes that will affect the formal entity structure of the business. To ensure the formalization of your plans, you have to file the proper paperwork. This is a process known as an amendment.
Reasons Why You Need To File An Amendment
There are many reasons for a company to file an amendment. Generally, if you decide to change some items listed on your company’s Articles of Incorporation/Organization, you will have to file an amendment with the state.
A. Changing The Company Name –
- LLCs
If you want to change the name of your Maine LLC, you have to go through a legal process known as an amendment. Submit the proper form to the Secretary of State to let them know about your plan to change the company name. Additionally, you will have to update the name of your company on all legal records with the government.
- Corporations
If your Maine corporation wants to conduct business under a new name, your company has to file an amendment. Doing this will make sure the changing of your name is legal. After checking the availability of the name, file an amendment with the Secretary of State. You will also have to change the name of your company on all government records.
B. Changing Members Of The Business –
- LLCs
Maine does not allow LLCs to change information related to members and/or managers through an amendment. Your company has to make these changes in the annual report. If your company has already submitted its latest annual report, you can update these pieces of information and file an amended annual report. You have to include information from your company’s initial report and state the changes you adopted.
- Corporations
The same rule applies to Maine corporations. You cannot file an amendment to change pieces of information regarding your company’s officers and directors. You can make updates on the annual report. If you have already filed it, submit an amended annual report listing the names, titles, and addresses of all old and new officers and directors.
C. Changing Address Related To The Business –
- LLCs
The Secretary of State of Maine does not keep a record of LLCs’ principal addresses. However, you have to list the physical address of at least 1 member or manager on your annual report.
- Corporations
Corporations also do not have to report their principal addresses. However, Maine requires you to include a list of the physical addresses of your principal officers and 1-3 company directors on your annual report.
D. Changing Contact Information –
- LLCs
The state has to be up to date about the contact information of your company. This way, the Secretary of State will know how to reach you in case they have legal queries. You can write the contact number and email address on the Filer Contact Cover Letter.
- Corporations
Make sure that the state has a way to reach your Maine corporation. So, you have to inform them about any changes to your contact information. The Articles of Amendment comes with a Filer Contact Cover Letter where you have to put the contact number and email address.
E. Changing The Number Of Shares That A Corporation Is Authorized To Issue – Since Maine LLCs cannot issue stock, they do not have to think about this. However, Maine corporations that are authorized to issue stocks have to inform the Secretary of State if they have any plans of changing the number of shares that they are allowed to sell.
What Is Needed To File An Amendment?
LLC
Maine LLCs can enter all necessary information online and print the completed Certificate of Amendment form. Attach a Filer Contact Cover Letter and an exhibit for amendments that are not in the form. The form requires original signatures. You can file with the Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions of the Secretary of State by mail or in person. Be sure to include the $50 for the filing fee. If you want to expedite the process of mailed documents, write Expedited Service in the lower right corner of the envelope.
Corporation
Corporations have to submit Articles of Amendment to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions of the Secretary of State. You can fill out the form on the website of the Secretary of State. Print the completed form and file it by mail or in person. Make sure you attach a Filer Contact Cover Letter. Maine also requires original signatures on the forms. The filing fee is $50. You can request for faster processing of mailed documents by writing Expedited Service in the lower right corner of the envelope.
How Can DoMyLLC Assist With Streamlining The Process?
Making changes to a company’s formation documents require proper completion and filing of paperwork. Depending on the changes, you may also have to take care of other documents. To help ease the process, you can turn to a reliable document filing company like DoMyLLC. Our team can provide support and assistance to Maine business owners who need help in handling formalities to ensure compliance with the state.
Maine Amendment FAQs
The filing fee for an amendment is $50. You will have to pay an additional $50 for the 24-hour processing or $100 for the immediate service.
LLCs have to provide the following information:
- Name of the company
- Formation date
- Exact text of each amendment
- Information about your registered agent
- Authorized signature
- Contact information
Corporations have to provide the following information:
- Name of the company
- Adoption date
- Exact text of each amendment
- Manner of approval
- Authorized signature
- Contact information
The Secretary of State usually takes 5-10 business days to finish processing an amendment. However, you can request expedited service by paying an additional fee.
There are 2 ways to get a copy of the amendment. First, the Secretary of State will send the attested copy to the address you listed on the Filer Contact Cover Letter. Second, you can request them to hold the copy and pick it up from their office.
Maine Business Resources
Maine Office of Secretary of State
Phone Number:
(207) 624-7736
Address:
Maine State Department
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333