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Free Maine Sales Tax Calculator

Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Maine Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.

Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Maine. The state sales tax rate is 5.5%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0%, the total average in Maine comes to 5.50%. Actual rates vary by city and county.

Maine Sales Tax Rates

State Rate
5.5%
Avg Local Rate
0%
Combined Average
5.50%

Quick Reference

Maine offers a property tax fairness credit for high-burden residents.

State income tax: 7.15% top rate

Maine Sales Tax Table

Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 5.50% combined average rate:

Purchase Price Sales Tax Total
$10 $0.55 $10.55
$25 $1.38 $26.38
$50 $2.75 $52.75
$100 $5.50 $105.50
$250 $13.75 $263.75
$500 $27.50 $527.50
$1,000 $55.00 $1055.00
$2,500 $137.50 $2637.50
$5,000 $275.00 $5275.00

How Maine Sales Tax Works

Sales tax in Maine is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 5.5% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.

When budgeting in Maine, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $295,500 and a property tax rate of 1.24%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.

Maine Sales Tax vs. the National Picture

At 5.5% combined (state plus average local), Maine's sales tax ranks 42nd-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.

Maine adds no local sales taxes, so the 5.5% state rate is exactly what you pay at the register everywhere in Maine.

Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: New Hampshire (no sales tax); Vermont (6.24%). New Hampshire charges no sales tax at all.

Related Maine Calculators

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Maine? +
The Maine state sales tax rate is 5.5%. With the average local sales tax of 0%, the combined rate is approximately 5.50%. Actual rates vary by city and county — some localities charge higher or lower local rates.
How do I calculate Maine sales tax on a purchase? +
Multiply the pre-tax price by the applicable tax rate as a decimal. For example, on a $100 purchase at the combined 5.50% rate: $100 x 0.0550 = $5.50 in tax, for a total of $105.50. Our calculator handles this automatically for any amount.
Are groceries taxed in Maine? +
Grocery taxation varies by state. In Maine, the rules depend on the type of food item. Generally, unprepared food for home consumption may be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt, while prepared meals and restaurant food are subject to the full 5.50% combined rate. Check your local jurisdiction for specific exemptions.
Does Maine charge sales tax on online purchases? +
Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Maine requires out-of-state online retailers that meet economic nexus thresholds to collect and remit Maine sales tax. This means most online purchases are subject to the same 5.5% state rate plus applicable local taxes.
What items are exempt from Maine sales tax? +
Common exemptions in most states include prescription medications, medical devices, and certain essential services. Maine may also exempt specific categories like clothing, agricultural supplies, or manufacturing equipment. During designated sales tax holidays, additional items may be temporarily exempt. Check Maine's Department of Revenue for the current exemption list.
Why is the sales tax rate the same everywhere in Maine? +
Maine does not layer local sales taxes on top of the state rate, so the 5.5% state rate applies uniformly in every city and county. In most states local add-ons change the total from place to place; in Maine, what you see is what you pay.
Is Maine a high sales tax state? +
Maine's 5.5% combined average ranks 42nd-highest nationally, below the national median of 7%. For the full picture, the state also levies a graduated income tax topping out at 7.15%.
How does Maine sales tax compare with neighboring states? +
Rates change the moment you cross a border. Combined state-plus-local averages for nearby states: New Hampshire (no sales tax); Vermont (6.24%) — versus 5.5% in Maine. New Hampshire charges no sales tax at all.

Other State Sales Tax Calculators

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