Use our Maine Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions, and you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Maine Paycheck is Calculated
Your take-home pay, or net pay, is what remains after all mandatory taxes and deductions are subtracted from your gross earnings. The general formula is:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s a breakdown of each part:
- Gross Pay: The total amount you earn before taxes and deductions.
- Federal Income Tax: A tax applied based on your income level and filing status according to federal tax brackets.
- FICA Taxes: This includes Social Security and Medicare contributions required by the federal government.
- State Income Tax: The portion of your earnings withheld by the state of Maine.
- Local Taxes: Any additional taxes imposed by cities or municipalities, if applicable.
A Guide to Maine State Payroll Taxes
Maine State Income Tax
Maine uses a progressive income tax system, which means higher income levels are taxed at higher rates. The 2025 tax brackets for single filers are:
| Taxable Income (Single Filers) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $24,500 | 5.8% |
| $24,501 – $58,050 | 6.75% |
| Over $58,050 | 7.15% |
For married couples filing jointly, the thresholds are doubled.
Maine also provides a standard deduction and personal exemption that help reduce taxable income. For 2025, the standard deduction is $16,050 for single filers and $32,100 for married couples filing jointly. The personal exemption amount is $4,850 per person.
State-Specific Programs and Withholdings
Maine does not collect any state disability insurance (SDI) tax or have a paid family leave program. However, both employers and employees contribute to the state unemployment insurance (SUI) program through payroll taxes. Employees typically do not have a direct SUI deduction; it is paid by the employer.
Understanding Federal and FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes apply uniformly across the country and are major parts of paycheck withholdings. These taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs that provide benefits for retirees and healthcare coverage for eligible individuals.
For 2025:
- Social Security tax: 6.2% on wages up to $168,600.
- Medicare tax: 1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% for individuals earning over $200,000.
Your employer matches these amounts, making the total contribution for both Social Security and Medicare 15.3%.
Local Taxes in Maine
Maine does not impose local income taxes at the city or county level. Whether you work in Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, or Augusta, you will not see local income tax deductions on your pay stub. However, local property and sales taxes may still affect your overall cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maine Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Maine?
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Maine is $15.00 per hour. This rate adjusts annually based on inflation and the cost of living index.
How often are paydays in Maine?
Employers in Maine typically pay employees on a bi-weekly or semi-monthly schedule. State law requires employers to maintain consistent pay periods and issue payments within eight days after the end of the pay period.
What is the Maine state tax rate for 2025?
Maine’s 2025 state income tax rates range from 5.8% to 7.15%, depending on your income level and filing status.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Maine taxes?
Yes, independent contractors are responsible for paying Maine state income tax on their earnings. They must make quarterly estimated tax payments to both the IRS and the Maine Revenue Services.
What are the overtime laws in Maine?
Maine follows federal overtime laws, which require non-exempt employees to receive 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Disclaimer
This Maine Paycheck Calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The results are estimates and may not reflect your exact take-home pay. Actual withholdings can vary based on tax law changes, benefits, or employer-specific deductions. Always consult a tax professional or refer to the Maine Revenue Services for the most accurate and up-to-date information.