Get an EIN for your Maine business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Maine business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the Maine Revenue Services via the Combined Registration (electronic).
Maine EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Maine revenue agency | Maine Revenue Services |
| State tax registration form | Combined Registration (electronic) |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in Maine: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Maine LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Maine or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the Maine Revenue Services. Use the Combined Registration (electronic) to get your state-level tax accounts in Maine.
- Open a business bank account. Maine banks commonly used include Bangor Savings, Camden National, KeyBank.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Maine EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Maine Revenue Services. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Maine EINMaine state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Maine, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Maine Revenue Services using Combined Registration (electronic).
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in Maine.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Maine EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Maine?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges $0 service fee whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate Maine state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Maine Revenue Services requires a state-level registration via Combined Registration (electronic) for businesses operating in Maine.
Can I use my EIN to open a Maine business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Maine banks commonly used include Bangor Savings, Camden National, KeyBank.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.