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Start a Business in Maine

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for ME.

Cost Index

98%

2% below avg

Income Tax

5.8-7.15%

Sales Tax

5.5%

LLC Fee

$175

Business Guides for Maine

Cleaning Business

$2,000 - $9,800

Lawn Care

$2,900 - $19,600

Pressure Washing

$2,900 - $19,600

Food Truck

$49,000 - $196,000

Photography

$2,000 - $29,400

Bakery

$19,600 - $147,000

Restaurant

$171,500 - $735,000

Coffee Shop

$78,400 - $343,000

Catering

$9,800 - $73,500

Landscaping

$4,900 - $49,000

Handyman

$2,000 - $9,800

Pool Cleaning

$2,000 - $14,700

Pest Control

$9,800 - $49,000

Carpet Cleaning

$4,900 - $24,500

Window Cleaning

$1,000 - $9,800

Junk Removal

$4,900 - $49,000

Moving Company

$9,800 - $98,000

HVAC

$19,600 - $98,000

Plumbing

$14,700 - $73,500

Electrician

$14,700 - $73,500

Auto Detailing

$4,900 - $147,000

Car Wash

$49,000 - $490,000

Pet Grooming

$4,900 - $73,500

Dog Walking

$500 - $4,900

Barber Shop

$24,500 - $147,000

Hair Salon

$49,000 - $245,000

Nail Salon

$39,200 - $196,000

Mobile Spa

$4,900 - $29,400

Bookkeeping

$2,000 - $14,700

Tax Preparation

$2,900 - $19,600

Notary Services

$500 - $4,900

Consulting

$1,000 - $19,600

Event Planning

$4,900 - $29,400

DJ Service

$2,900 - $24,500

Wedding Photography

$4,900 - $29,400

Web Design

$1,000 - $9,800

Graphic Design

$1,000 - $9,800

Social Media Management

$500 - $4,900

Personal Training

$2,000 - $49,000

Gym

$49,000 - $490,000

Tutoring

$500 - $4,900

Daycare

$49,000 - $490,000

Vending Machine

$2,900 - $29,400

Massage Therapy

$4,900 - $49,000

Yoga Studio

$14,700 - $98,000

Laundromat

$98,000 - $490,000

Florist

$9,800 - $49,000

Ice Cream Shop

$19,600 - $98,000

House Painting

$2,000 - $14,700

Tree Service

$9,800 - $49,000

Interior Design

$2,000 - $14,700

E-Commerce

$500 - $9,800

Pet Sitting

$500 - $2,900

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Business Requirements in Maine

1

Register Your Business

File with Maine Secretary of State. LLC fee: $175

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 5.5%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Maine?
Startup costs in Maine are 2% lower than the national average. LLC filing costs $175, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does Maine have income tax?
Maine has a state income tax rate of 5.8-7.15%.
What is the sales tax in Maine?
The state sales tax in Maine is 5.5%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in Maine?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $175). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

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