Quick Answer: In this blog, you will learn how to register for a sales tax permit in Maine. The registration process is best completed online via the Maine Revenue Services website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in Maine is free.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is automatic in Maine.
Turnaround Time: In Maine, sales tax permit account access is gained once applied.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Maine?
The first step in registering for a sales tax permit is determining if you even need one. In general, you need a sales tax permit in Maine if you have physical presence or meet economic nexus requirements. For more detailed information on the necessity of getting a permit, you can learn more at our blog post “Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Maine?”
If you are not sure where you should get sales tax permits, we can help determine that for you with our Sales Tax Starter Kit Service.
Once you’re sure you need a sales tax permit in Maine, you can proceed with registering.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available
Maine only has one type of sales tax permit available. Currently, there is no charge for a sales tax permit in Maine
Where to Register for a Maine Sales Tax Permit
There are two ways to register for a sales tax permit in Maine, either by paper application or via the online website. We recommend submitting the application via the online website as it will generally be processed faster and you will receive confirmation upon submission. Having a submission confirmation will help in the event that your application is not processed on-time, or in the event that it is not processed at all (which unfortunately can happen every now and again).
Online Application Location: This is the best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Maine.
Paper Application Location: A copy of the paper application can be found here.
If you’re already feeling a little overwhelmed, you should know that we can handle the entire permit registration process for you with our Sales Tax Permit Registration Service.
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Maine
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Maine directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the State of Maine Revenue Services if you have questions: You can contact Maine Revenue Services by calling 207-624-9784.
How to contact TaxValet if you want someone to handle your permit registration for you: You can learn more about our sales tax permit registration service by clicking here.
Information Needed to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Maine
Before you begin the process of registering with the state, make sure you have access to the following information:
- Federal tax ID, typically called the EIN, issued by the IRS
- Knowledge of your business entity structure
- Business owner information
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number
- Start date with the state of Maine
- Your estimated yearly tax liability with Maine
To get started, select the type of tax you are registering for, sales and use tax.
Once you have selected your tax type, you will then follow the prompts to apply for your sales and use tax permit.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Maine?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Maine, you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Our team can handle your sales tax returns for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. You can also learn more about how to file and pay a sales tax return in Maine by clicking here.
You should receive your sales and use permit with Maine within 4 weeks of applying. It will be mailed to the mailing address submitted on your permit application. Maine will issue you a retailer permit and automatically issue you a resale certificate as well.
The retailers permit will list your registration number and a business code number. You will need these numbers to create your online account. In order to create your online account, follow the prompts on the Sales, Use and Service Provider Tax Filing System website.
The Maine retailer permit does not have an expiration date but the resale certificate is issued for two years.
If at any point you are stuck and want a team of experts to handle all of this for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
