Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate. The state rate is 5.5% with no local sales taxes; prepared food is taxed at 8%, as are drinks sold at a place licensed for on-premises liquor. The same registration opens the withholding account once you have employees.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 2 of 6: Register for tax
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Maine Revenue Services (Maine Tax Portal).
Sources and dates
Maine Revenue Services business guide (December 2025); Maine Tax Portal registration. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Yes. Register on the Maine Tax Portal before the first sale and post the retailer certificate.
Maine Revenue Services (Maine Tax Portal).
Step 2 of 6, register for tax. The steps before it: set up the business.
