Food and supplies essential to the care and maintenance of seeing-eye dogs used to assist blind people are exempt from sales tax. Then this may sound like a huge headache. To learn more, see a full list of taxable and tax-exempt items in Maine. The tax rate is 9% These percentages are all officially sales taxes. 12 RETAILERS OF FOOD PRODUCTS This bulletin is intended solely as advice to assist persons in determining and complying with their obligations under Maine tax law. https://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-maine.aspx Food and prescription drugs are exempt in Maine while prepared food, lodging and auto rentals (both long and short-term), and various services are subject to tax. You may also contact us via email at sales.tax@maine.gov for assistance. Jennifer Dunn's passion is making tough sales tax topics simple so you can get back to doing what you do best - running your business! Copies of returns filed on paper must be requested from Maine Revenue Services at either (207) 624-9693 or sales.tax@maine.gov. Louisiana – Food sold by eating establishments is subject to sales tax, with the exception of bakery products sold for consumption in the home. REGISTER AN ACCOUNT. This post will dig into what you need to know if you sell groceries or own a restaurant or food truck in Maine. Prepared foods are generally taxable in Maine at a separate higher rate than other items. In the state of Maine, there is an exemption for food products which was intended for home consumption, although this exemption is limited specifically to """"grocery staples. And one way that many states vary is around how to charge sales tax on food items. Do you sell groceries, meals or beverages? Sales tax rules and laws depend on the state where you are holding the festival. Groceries are fully taxable at local rates. The state general sales tax rate of Maine is 5.5%. Prepared foods are generally taxable in Maine at a separate higher rate than other items. Bulletin No. Each state gets to make its own rules and laws around sales tax. If you have any questions, please contact the MRS Sales Tax Division at (207) 624-9693 or sales.tax@maine.gov. Maryland – Food for immediate consumption is taxable. Examples of food staples under Maine law include: fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy, bread, breakfast cereal, canned and boxed food products, and condiments. Click here for more on how TaxJar can take the headache out of sales tax in your. All Do This; Out & About; Guides; Maine Voices Live … In June 2017, Maine created a sales tax exemption for sales of prepared food by a civic, religious or fraternal organization, including an auxiliary of such an organization, at a public or member-only event. exempt from sales tax pursuant to section 1760, subsection 7-B or 7-C; and C. A container of paint, stain, wood preservative or sealant registered as a pesticide with the board. In the state of Maine, legally sales tax is required to be collected from tangible, physical products being sold to a consumer. For example, groceries are taxable in some states, but non-taxable in others. Maine law defines grocery staples as “food products ordinarily consumed for human nourishment.”. While Maine's sales tax generally applies to most transactions, certain items have special treatment in many states when it comes to sales taxes. Retailers can then file an amended return at a later date to reconcile the correct tax owed. (b) Three states levy mandatory, statewide, local add-on sales taxes: California (1%), Utah (1.25%), and Virginia (1%). Automate your business's sales taxes! Maine Revenue Services recently updated their Bulletin No. Ready to automate sales tax collection, reporting and filing? Every 2021 combined rates mentioned above are the results of Maine state rate (5.5%). Ready to automate sales tax collection, reporting and filing? This is regardless if they are to be eaten on the premises or sold for takeout. If you're an online business, you can connect TaxJar directly to your shopping cart, and instantly calculate sales taxes in every state. 27 for “Sales of Prepared Food”. The latest sales tax rate for Portland, ME. South Carolina – Unprepared food that can be purchased with federal food stamps is exempt from state sales and use tax, but may be subject to other local sales and use taxes. """", see a full list of taxable and tax-exempt items in Maine. MAINE REVENUE SERVICES SALES FUEL & SPECIAL TAX DIVISION INSTRUCTIONAL BULLETIN NO. 12 for “Retailers of Food Products”. Maine's general sales tax rate is 5.5 percent. Retailers can then file an amended return at a later date to reconcile the correct tax owed. The tax rate is 8% on sales of prepared food and alcoholic drinks sold in certain establishments that are licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor. Please consult a tax professional for specific tax guidance. Maine's general sales tax of 5.5% also applies to the purchase of beer. Maine grocers have enough in their baskets without worrying about sales taxes. While Maine's sales tax generally applies to most transactions, certain items have special treatment in many states when it comes to sales taxes. This is regardless if they are to be eaten on the premises or sold for takeout. All “meals” served on or off the premises of the retailer, All food and drink prepared by the retailer and ready for consumption without further preparation (Restaurant food – both dine-in and to go, deli and bakery items, etc.). Or, like Maine, only a certain subset called “grocery staples” are considered non-taxable. Sales Tax Exemptions in Maine In Maine, certain items may be exempt from the sales tax to all consumers, not just tax-exempt purchasers. Sales Tax by State: To-Go Restaurant Orders. Let us know in a single click. Your tax registration number was provided in the "Welcome" packet you received from Maine Revenue Services. Retailers who want to request a payment plan may also contact the MRS Compliance Division at (207) 624-9595 or compliance.tax@maine.gov. Maine cities and/or municipalities don't have a city sales tax. Do you have a comment or correction concerning this page? Adult-use retail: Purchases are subject to a 10.75% marijuana excise tax, plus the state’s normal 6.25% sales tax, and an optional local excise tax… In Maine, prepared food is taxed at an 8% rate. Print Exemption Certificates. This rate includes any state, county, city, and local sales taxes. Our partner TaxJar can manage your sales tax calculations, returns and filing for you so you don't need to worry about mistakes or deadlines. TaxJar is a trademark of TPS Unlimited, Inc. Maine’s definition of … SalesTaxHandbook visitors qualify for a free month by signing up via our partner program here: In the state of Maine, any incidental charges which were incurred for tables, chairs, or rentals of equipment are not considered to be subject to tax. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from the Maine sales tax Counties and cities are not allowed to collect local sales taxes The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Further food and meal taxability resources: Sales Tax by State: Are grocery items taxable? In exchange, more foods are subject to the existing 5.5 percent sales tax for non-exempt grocery items and eight percent sales tax for prepared meals. Click here for more on how TaxJar can take the headache out of sales tax in your food & beverage business. Food-delivery platforms. 12 for “Retailers of Food Products.”, How to Always Collect the Correct Amount of Sales Tax in Maine. This tax is collected at the state level with no local taxes applying in Maine’s counties or municipalities. Exact tax amount may vary for different items The Maine state sales tax rate is 5.5%, and the average ME sales tax after local surtaxes is 5.5%. Maine’s definition of “prepared food” contains three categories: Because of Maine’s expansive definition of prepared food, most restaurant and other ready-to-eat food in Maine is taxed at the higher prepared food rate. In Maine, beer vendors are responsible for paying a state excise tax of $0.35 per gallon, plus Federal excise taxes, for all beer sold. This includes all types of bottled water, soft drinks, powdered drinks, coffee and tea. To learn more, see a full list of taxable and tax-exempt items in Maine. Find more information about drink taxability in Bulletin No. There is no city sale tax for the Maine cities. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Maine Revenue Services has provided Bulletin No. Maine Revenue Services recently updated their, Bulletin No. Louisiana – “Food sold by eating establishment is subject to sales tax.” Maine – Prepared foods are taxable in Maine. to businesses that sell meals or other prepared food. Copies of sales receipts should be kept to support the exemption. Maine considers “grocery staples” to be exempt from sales tax. shelled, salted, etc. The 75% rule – All food and drink sold by a retailer at a particular retail location when the sales of food and drinks at that location that are prepared by the retailer account for more than 75% of the gross receipts reported with respect to that location by the retailer. Retailers who want to request a payment plan may also contact the MRS Compliance Division at (207) 624-9595 or compliance.tax@maine.gov. With the TaxJar API, you can be sure you’re collecting the right amount of sales tax on every transaction. Food. When buying lobster in a restaurant, customers will pay the state’s 8 percent sales tax for prepared food. If you have any questions, please contact the MRS Sales Tax Division at (207) 624-9693 or sales.tax@maine.gov. You can read Maine’s guide to sales tax on prepared food here. , you can be sure you’re collecting the right amount of sales tax on every transaction. While the Maine sales tax of 5.5% applies to most transactions, there are certain items that may be exempt from taxation. Additional Taxes: 7% on-premise sales tax We value your feedback! Retail sales tax is the state of Maine's principal tax source. General Sales: 5.5%: 5.5%: 5.5%: 5.5%: Prepared Food: 8%: 8%: 8%: 8%: Long Term … WGME points out strange discrepancies in what has now been deemed exempt and non-exempt. All rights reserved. It is written in a relatively informal style and is intended to This page discusses various sales tax exemptions in Maine. Reprint Payment Voucher - Choose this option to print a payment voucher to send with your check. The current tax rate for prepared food in Maine is 8%. Maine State Retail Sales Tax Laws. Maine’s sales tax rate is 5.50%. The base sales tax rate applies to most tangible goods. 12 for “Retailers of Food Products.”. The current tax rate for prepared food in Maine is 8%. Is the food I sell on my food truck taxable? While food-delivery services simplify life for consumers, especially … Sales tax is not collected at the local (city, county, or ZIP) in Maine making it one of the easier states in which to manage sales tax collection, filing, and remittance. 27 for “Sales of Prepared Food” to businesses that sell meals or other prepared food. 12 for “Retailers of Food Products” with additional info for retailers who primarily sell grocery food. This state has special 8% sales tax rates for lodging (including hotels and motels) and prepared food, as well as a 10% tax on short-term vehicle rentals. Sales and Use Tax Maine Forest Service Maine Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, non-profit voluntary organization that lobbies for issues important to … Find more information about drink taxability in, Bulletin No. All Food; Restaurant reviews; Cookbook Reviews; Recipes; Vegan Kitchen; Green Plate Special; Maine Gardener; Do This. Table 1: Sales Tax Treatment of Groceries, Candy & Soda, as of July January 1, 2019 (a) Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon do not levy taxes on groceries, candy, or soda. Businesses making retail sales in Maine collect sales tax from their customers on tangible personal property items and some services. ), jerky, nuts and seeds are taxable. SalesTaxHandbook is a free public resource site, and is not affiliated with the United States government or any Government agency, Sales Tax Handbooks By State | Find out more about these Maine sales tax exceptions here. One of the biggest changes that became effective January 1, 2016 relates to the sale of food and now there are new snack food taxes. Are you required to collect sales tax in Maine? Sales Tax Calculator | This page describes the taxability of food and meals in Maine, including catering and grocery food. That said, some items - like prepared food - are taxed differently. 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