Maine rules
How Maine taxes your salary after federal deductions in 2026
Maine income tax: 5.8% to 7.15%
Maine Revenue Services runs three progressive brackets with a narrow spread: just 1.35 percentage points separate the lowest rate (5.8%) from the highest (7.15%). This makes Maine close to a quasi-flat-tax state for most salary earners, since even the lowest rate is already substantial. The standard deduction of $8,350 (single) shields the first slice of income.
| Rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 5.80% | $0 – $27,399 |
| 6.75% | $27,399 – $64,849 |
| 7.15% | Over $64,849 |
2026 brackets after Maine standard deduction ($8,350 single / $16,700 married). Source: Maine Revenue Services, Tax Foundation 2026.
Low top-bracket threshold
Maine's 7.15% top rate applies to taxable income above just $64,849. That means a single filer earning $80,000 already has a portion of income in the top bracket. By contrast, Minnesota's top rate does not kick in until $203,150 and Oregon's top bracket starts at $125,000. Maine's low threshold means the effective state rate converges quickly toward the top rate as salary rises.
Sales tax and the full picture
Unlike Oregon or Delaware, Maine does impose a sales tax of 5.5% on most goods and services. Combined with the income tax, Maine residents face both paycheck and purchase-side taxation. However, Maine exempts groceries from sales tax, which helps lower-income households.
Maine salary after taxes: worked examples
Below is a side-by-side breakdown for three salary levels in Maine, assuming single filing status with no pre-tax deferrals.
| Gross salary | Federal tax | FICA | ME state | Take-home | Keep % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | -$5,020 | -$4,590 | -$3,226 | $47,164 | 78.6% |
| $100,000 | -$13,170 | -$7,650 | -$6,033 | $73,147 | 73.1% |
| $150,000 | -$24,734 | -$11,475 | -$9,608 | $104,183 | 69.5% |
Federal tax uses 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single). FICA = 6.2% SS (up to $184,500) + 1.45% Medicare. ME state tax per bracket table above. Figures rounded to nearest dollar.
Maine's narrow rate spread is evident in the numbers. At $60,000, the state tax is $3,226 (5.4% of gross), and the effective state rate barely changes at higher incomes: at $150,000, it is $9,608 (6.4% of gross). The difference between the lowest and highest effective rates is only about 1 percentage point, which is why Maine functions almost like a flat-tax state for salary earners.
How to maximize your take-home in Maine
Maine's low top-bracket threshold ($64,849) means that most full-time salary earners have a portion of income in the 7.15% bracket. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions are an effective tool: a $23,500 deferral at the 7.15% marginal rate saves about $1,680 in state tax on top of federal savings.
Maine offers its own Earned Income Tax Credit at 12% of the federal credit, a Property Tax Fairness Credit for qualifying homeowners and renters, and a Sales Tax Fairness Credit of up to $255 per adult. These credits can add several hundred dollars to your refund and effectively lower your net state tax rate.
If you are comparing Maine to New Hampshire, remember that New Hampshire has no wage tax but has significantly higher property taxes and no general sales tax. Maine has a 5.5% sales tax and moderate property taxes. The total cost of living in Maine is generally lower than in New Hampshire's southern tier, which partly offsets the income tax. Maine also allows itemized deductions on the state return, so workers with large mortgage interest or medical expenses may benefit from itemizing instead of taking the $8,350 standard deduction.
How Maine compares to other high-tax states
Maine falls in the lower half of this group for take-home pay. At $100,000, Maine's take-home ($73,147) is similar to Hawaii ($73,023) and Minnesota ($73,903). What sets Maine apart is the near-flat effective rate: the 5.80% floor means that even a $30,000 earner pays a meaningful state rate, whereas Vermont (3.35%) or Rhode Island (3.75%) give low earners a lighter touch. For mid-career professionals earning $80,000 to $120,000, the practical difference between Maine and its New England neighbors is often less than $1,500 per year.
Filing status matters in Maine
The calculator above supports Single, Married Filing Jointly and Head of Household. Married filers in Maine generally benefit from wider bracket thresholds, so a couple with $150,000 in combined income pays less state tax than two single filers each earning $75,000. Head of Household filers, typically single parents, also receive wider thresholds. Always check the correct filing status for your situation because it affects both your federal and Maine state tax simultaneously.
Also see: Maine salary calculator for an interactive comparison with other states.
Questions
Maine salary after taxes FAQ
What is the Maine income tax rate for 2026?
Maine has three progressive brackets: 5.80%, 6.75% and 7.15%. The top rate applies to taxable income above $64,849 for single filers. A standard deduction of $8,350 (single) is applied first.
How much salary do you keep after taxes in Maine?
On a $100,000 single-filer salary, you keep approximately $73,700 after federal income tax, FICA and Maine state income tax in 2026.
Does Maine have local income taxes?
No. Maine does not impose local or municipal income taxes. All income tax is collected at the state level.
How does Maine compare to New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has no tax on wages. A $100,000 salary takes home roughly $4,500 more in New Hampshire. However, New Hampshire has significantly higher property tax rates.
Does Maine have a sales tax?
Yes. Maine has a 5.5% general sales tax. Groceries are exempt, but most other goods and services are taxable.
Why is Maine's top bracket so low?
Maine's top rate of 7.15% begins at just $64,849 of taxable income, which is low compared to most states with similar top rates. This means most full-time workers earning over $75,000 have some income in the top bracket.
Can I reduce my Maine tax with a 401(k)?
Yes. Maine follows federal treatment of pre-tax 401(k) contributions, reducing your taxable income. A $23,500 deferral can save roughly $1,500 in Maine state tax.
What is the effective tax rate on $100,000 in Maine?
A single filer earning $100,000 pays roughly $26,300 in total taxes (federal + FICA + ME state), for an effective total rate of about 26.3%. The ME state portion alone is approximately $4,600, an effective state rate of about 4.6%.
- Sources: Maine Revenue Services (2026 brackets) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · Tax Foundation 2026 state rates.
- 🔄 Last updated 2026-07-28 · Tax year 2026
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