How do I get a business license?

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine your business structure: sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership
Register your business entity with the Maine Secretary of State (for LLCs and corporations) - file online at maine.gov/sos/busfiled or through the Maine Business Registration portal
Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at irs.gov if forming an entity, hiring employees, or operating as a partnership
Register with Maine Revenue Services for applicable taxes - register online at maine.gov/revenue or through the Maine Tax Portal:
- Sales Tax Registration (if selling taxable goods/services; Maine's Service Provider Tax also applies to many services)
- Withholding Tax (if you have employees)
- Other applicable Maine taxes
Check with your MUNICIPALITY for local business licenses - Maine municipalities each set their own requirements; some require local business licenses or permits; others do not; contact your Town Office or City Hall
Check for industry-specific state licenses: contractors (Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - OPOR at maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing), health professionals, real estate, cosmetologists, engineers, and others require licenses through OPOR or relevant state boards
Renew entity annual report with Secretary of State; renew local license per municipality schedule

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Business name and type of activity
Maine business address
Entity formation documents if LLC or corporation
EIN or Social Security number
Industry-specific certifications if applicable

Fee

LLC formation: $175 online (one of the higher LLC fees nationally); corporation: $145 online; annual report: $85 (LLC), $85 (corporation); Sales Tax Registration: free; local license: varies by municipality RENEWAL: Entity annual report due June 1 each year (NOTE: Maine used to have an annual report; verify current year requirements at maine.gov/sos/busfiled); local license: annual per municipality ONLINE OPTION: Yes - maine.gov/sos/busfiled (entity formation); maine.gov/revenue or Maine Tax Portal (tax registration); maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing (professional licenses) WHERE TO GO: Maine Secretary of State (entity); Maine Revenue Services (tax); Town Office/City Hall (local license); OPOR (professional licenses)

Online Option

Yes - maine.gov/sos/busfiled (entity formation); maine.gov/revenue or Maine Tax Portal (tax registration); maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing (professional licenses)

Where to Go

Maine Secretary of State (entity); Maine Revenue Services (tax); Town Office/City Hall (local license); OPOR (professional licenses)

Maine Notes

Important state-specific details

Maine LLC formation: $175 - among the higher fees nationally (along with Massachusetts and a few others).
Maine annual report: $85 - also on the higher end; due June 1.
Maine sales tax: 5.5% (one of the lower state rates nationally); food for home consumption exempt; prepared food, lodging, and car rentals have different rates.
Maine SERVICE PROVIDER TAX: Maine taxes many services that most states don't - confirm which services apply to your business at maine.gov/revenue.
Maine OPOR (Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation): oversees contractors, real estate, cosmetology, engineering, and many other professions - maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing | (207) 624-8603.
Maine has a graduated state income tax (up to 7.15% for individuals; corporate income tax at 3.5%-8.93%).
Maine does not have a general occupational license for all businesses at the state level - licensing is profession-specific through OPOR or relevant boards.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Maine Secretary of State, Business Services - maine.gov/sos/busfiled | (207) 624-7736; Maine Revenue Services - maine.gov/revenue | (207) 624-9595; Maine OPOR - maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing | (207) 624-8603