Auburn Sales Tax Guide 2025 (Maine)
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This 2025 guide to Auburn sales tax breaks down important sales tax rates, exemptions, compliance requirements, and filing deadlines for Maine businesses selling in Auburn or out-of-state businesses selling to customers in Auburn.
Maine is not a member of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA). The state's tax structure does not fully align with SSUTA’s requirements.
For more general info on Maine sales tax, take a look at our 2025 Maine Sales Tax Guide.
Auburn Sales Tax Rate (Maine)
In 2025, Auburn, Maine, imposes a total sales tax rate of 5.5% on general merchandise, solely comprising the state tax, as there are no additional county or city taxes.
Note that Auburn does not impose additional local sales taxes. The state of Maine sets the rate.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Maine State Tax | 5.50% |
| Androscoggin County Tax | 0.00% |
| Auburn City Tax | 0.00% |
| Total Sales Tax Rate | 5.50% |
Table: Differences in 2025 Sales Tax Rates in Auburn, ME by Product Category
| Item/Service | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Prepared Food | 8.0% |
| Short-term Auto Rentals | 10.0% |
| Lodging Rentals | 9.0% |
| Service Provider Tax | 6.0% |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consider using Kintsugi's sales tax automation platform and integrations or consult the Maine Revenue Services or the City of Auburn's official website.
To learn more about Maine sales tax on clothing, take a look at Kintsugi's easy guide: Does Maine Have Sales Tax on Clothing? Key Insights for Business Owners.
Auburn ME Sales Tax Calculator
A retailer in Auburn, Maine, sells an item priced at $500. The total sales tax rate is 5.5%, solely comprising the state tax, as there are no additional county or city taxes. A customer purchasing a $500 item in Auburn, Maine, would pay $27.50 in sales tax, bringing the final total price to $527.50.
| Tax Type | Rate | Calculation | Tax Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine State Tax | 5.50% | $500 × 5.50% | $27.50 |
| Androscoggin County Tax | 0.00% | $500 × 0.00% | $0.00 |
| Auburn City Tax | 0.00% | $500 × 0.00% | $0.00 |
| Total Combined Tax | 5.50% | $27.50 + $0.00 + $0.00 | $27.50 |
| Final Total Price | $500 + $27.50 | $527.50 |
To learn more about Maine sales tax exemptions, take a look at Kintsugi's easy guide: Are Retailers Exempt From Sales Tax in Maine? Explained.
FAQ
What is the City of Auburn sales tax rate?
As of February 2025, the sales tax rate in Auburn, Maine, is 5.5%. This rate is composed solely of the Maine state sales tax, as neither Androscoggin County nor the City of Auburn imposes additional local sales taxes.
It's important to note that while the general sales tax rate is 5.5%, certain items are taxed differently in Maine:
- Prepared Food: 8%
- Short-Term Rentals: 10%
- Lodging Rentals: 9%
- Service Provider Tax: 6%
These specific rates apply statewide, including in Auburn.
How do you get a sales tax permit in Maine?
Apply online through the Maine Revenue Services (MRS) website. You'll need business details, an EIN or SSN, and there is no registration fee.
When do I need to complete a sales tax registration in Maine?
You must register before making taxable sales or meeting the economic nexus threshold ($100,000 in sales).
What is the sales tax nexus threshold in Maine?
In Maine, the economic nexus threshold is $100,000 in gross sales in the state within the current or previous calendar year. There is no transaction threshold.
Is Maine part of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program?
No, Maine is not part of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program. Businesses must comply with the state's independent sales tax rules and registration process, taking into account any tax changes.
What is considered "tangible personal property” in Maine?
In Maine, tangible personal property includes physical items that can be seen, weighed, measured, or touched, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and vehicles. Some digital goods may also be taxable.
When do I need to file sales tax returns in Maine?
In Maine, sales tax returns are due monthly, quarterly, or annually, based on sales volume. Monthly returns are due by the 15th of the following month.
Auburn Sales Tax Filing Steps
Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in Auburn?
Sales tax collection in Auburn is required for businesses that meet the following criteria:
1. Physical Presence: Businesses with a store, office, warehouse, or employee in Auburn.
2. Economic Nexus: Out-of-state businesses exceeding $100,000 in Maine.
Not sure if your business meets these criteria? Kintsugi’s Nexus Analysis Tool can help you determine your sales tax obligations.
What Is Taxable in Auburn?
In Auburn, Maine, sales tax applies to:
1. Tangible personal property (e.g., electronics, clothing, furniture).
2. Certain services.
There are also exemptions for items like Grocery Food, Machinery, Raw Materials, Utilities & Fuel, Medical Devices, Newspapers, Periodicals, General Occasional Sales, General Optional Maintenance Contracts. Ensure you check with your state’s tax authority or consult Kintsugi for clarity.
How to File Sales Tax in Auburn
Here’s a step-by-step guide for filing your sales tax returns:
1. Register Your Business: Get a sales tax permit through the https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-use-service-provider-tax.
2. Collect Sales Tax: Accurately calculate sales tax on taxable transactions.
3. File and Pay: Submit sales tax returns through https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-use-service-provider-tax by the [state-specific deadline]—monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your sales volume.
Kintsugi’s Automated Filing Service streamlines the process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Common Challenges in Sales Tax Compliance
Businesses in Auburn often face these issues:
1. Tracking tax rate changes for city, county, and special districts.
2. Managing exemptions and resale certificates.
3. Reconciling returns for accurate filing.
Kintsugi’s AI-Driven Compliance Solution takes the guesswork out of sales tax, handling rate calculations, exemption management, and filing across all jurisdictions.
Why Choose Kintsugi for Sales Tax Compliance?
Kintsugi is more than a software solution—we’re your trusted partner in sales tax compliance. Here’s how we help:
1. Real-Time Rate Calculation across billing, payments, and e-commerce platforms.
2. Nexus Tracking to identify where you need to register and collect tax.
3. Automated Filing to save time and reduce errors.
4. Audit Support to give you peace of mind.
A direct-to-consumer brand, recovered over $200K in overpaid sales tax within their first month of switching to Kintsugi. Your business could be next.
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Find Sales Tax Information for Other Cities in Maine
Looking for sales tax rates and compliance details for other cities in Maine? Check out our comprehensive table of sales tax information for cities across the state in the table below
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