Maine direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipping rules and regulations

It feels like everyone is ordering wine online. Does Maine permit DTC wine shipping? Find out and learn wine tax rates and rules for your state.

Maine wine taxes, permits, and rules

Last Updated:

08/01/2021

Select state

Licensing

DTC License Required: Yes

License Type: DTC Permit

License Fee: $300 initial permit, $50 for renewals

License Expiration: 1 year from issue date

License Bond: No

Sales tax

State Sales Tax: Yes

State Sales Tax Rate: 5.500%

Local Sales Tax: No

Sales Tax on Shipping: Yes

Alcohol tax

Wine Tax: $0.60–$1.24/gal

Volume limits

Consumer Limit: No more than 12 cases per person per year.

Per State Aggregate: Unlimited

Returns

Sales and Use Tax: Quarterly by the 15th

Excise Tax: Annually by 30th of the month following expiration of license.

Direct Shipment: Annually by 30th of the month following expiration of license.

Record Retention: N/A

Product requirements*

Product Restrictions: Only wines produced by the permittee may be sold and shipped to consumers. Wine may not be shipped in containers that are smaller than 750ml.

Product Registration: Submit list of all product labels to be shipped to consumers in Maine at the time of application.

Registration Fees: None

Product Requirements: A direct shipper shall label each package to be shipped so that it conspicuously reads “Contains alcohol: Signature of person 21 years of age or older required for delivery.”

*Nearly all states have some kind of rule regarding how wine must be labeled when being shipped direct to consumer. Please check for the unique rule for your state.

Additional information

Maine DOR site

Please note: Tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this page is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.