Maine Nonprofits
Registration, Tax Exemption, and Annual Report Filing Requirements
Maine Nonprofits - A Guide to Registration and Tax Compliance
Understanding the guidelines and requirements set by the relevant state agency is essential for successfully establishing and operating a nonprofit organization.
Here, you can find how to start and register a nonprofit in Maine, obtain tax-exempt status, understand the annual report filing requirements for nonprofits in the
state, and more.
| Requirements |
Registration
|
Annual Filing
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With the State of Maine | With the Professional & Financial Regulation | Charity Annual Renewal | Annual Report | |
Required Forms |
Charitable Organization License Application |
Charitable Organization
License Application |
||
Due Date |
Before establishing a Nonprofit entity |
Before soliciting any contributions within the state | November 30th of each year | June 1st of each year |
Filing Fee |
$40 | $20 | $20 | $35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Start a Nonprofit in Maine?
You must follow these registration procedures to start a nonprofit in Maine.
Articles of Incorporation Registration:
To register your nonprofit in Maine, you must submit the organization's name and file Articles of Incorporation to the Department of the Secretary of State.
Typically, this submission must include the following information:
- Name of the corporation
- Purpose of the corporation
- Name and address of the registered agent
- Name and address of the incorporators
In addition to these details, you must pay the incorporation filing fee of $40.
Registration with the Maine Attorney General:
Maine law mandates that nonprofit corporations must file a Charitable Organization License Application with the State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation before starting solicitations.
How do you obtain tax-exempt status from the State of Maine?
Maine Revenue Services grants sales tax exemptions to certain nonprofit organizations. There are different forms available, and the organization must choose and file the applicable form to apply for exemption. Click here to find the list of application forms for exempt organizations.
What are the annual filing requirements for nonprofits in Maine?
Annual Renewal:
The state of Maine mandates that nonprofit organizations renew their registration annually by submitting a Charitable Organization License Application with the State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation along with an Annual Fundraising Activity Report.
Annual Report:
The State of Maine requires nonprofits to submit an Annual Report to the Maine Secretary of State.
When is the deadline for submitting the annual filings with the state of Maine?
Annual Renewal:
In Maine, charitable organizations are generally required to renew on or before November 30th of each year.
Annual Report:
The deadline to submit the annual report to the state of West Virginia is on or before June 1st of each year.
What are the penalties for not filing the annual renewal and annual report?
Annual Renewal:
Failure to file the annual renewal by the due date will be subject to a $50 penalty.
Annual Report:
Failing to file the annual report by the due date will result in the organization's administrative dissolution.
How do I file an annual renewal and annual report form with Maine?
Annual Renewal:
You can file your annual renewals electronically through the online portal provided by the State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation.
Annual Report:
An annual report can be filed either electronically or by paper with the state of Maine.
- You can file your annual filings electronically through the online portal provided by the State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation.
- You can also download the preprinted annual report paper form and mail it to the State of Maine.