FAQ Answers | Maine Revenue Services

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General/Miscellaneous Topics

What is the Maine Tax Portal?

The Maine Tax Portal integrates all the tax types administered by Maine Revenue Services into a single system. It will enable online filing for all tax types administered and significantly expand the online functions that facilitate the taxpayer’s and practitioner’s ability to conduct business electronically with Maine Revenue Services. The system will be implemented over a four-year period in four rollouts, each of which will involve a subset of taxes and programs. The first rollout was completed in October 2021 and the second in November 2022. See the chart below for taxes and programs that are or will become available in the Maine Tax Portal in each rollout.

Schedule for Implementation of Taxes and Programs:

Will the Maine Tax Portal change how I file returns, make payments, or respond to notices and bills?

The Maine Tax Portal is meant to improve access and increase capabilities for taxpayers and practitioners to electronically interact with Maine Revenue Services. While we currently offer online filing for certain tax types, the Maine Tax Portal will expand online capability to all tax types administered by Maine Revenue Services. In addition, the Maine Tax Portal will allow taxpayers and authorized third parties to register for taxes, file tax returns, make payments, view bills and notices, and perform online account maintenance activities, such as, adding or removing addresses and closing an account. Expanded online capabilities for Rollout 1 taxes and fees are shown below. For Rollout 2 functions, see What MTP functions are included for Rollout 2 Taxes and Programs?

The rollout schedule for all other tax types is available at www.Maine.gov/revenue/portal. Account setup instructions and other tutorials will be published over the coming months at www.Maine.gov/revenue/portal.

What MTP functions are included for Rollout 2 Taxes and Programs?

Rollout 2 Taxes

Property Tax Programs

BETR

Why are new Taxpayer Account Numbers being assigned?

All tax types that are included in the Maine Tax Portal will be assigned a new account ID to increase efficiencies in processing returns and payments. This will allow taxpayers to better manage their accounts and provide an added layer of security for taxpayer information. New account numbers will be assigned as each tax type or fee is implemented in the Maine Tax Portal.

To ease the transition, taxpayers may continue to use existing account numbers when filing returns or making payments and in any correspondence to Maine Revenue Services.

If a taxpayer currently holds a certificate from Maine Revenue Services, an updated certificate with the new account ID will be issued.

What web browsers should be used to access the MTP?

The following web browsers are recommended for accessing the Maine Tax Portal:

Microsoft Edge
Safari
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Opera

The current version of each of the above browsers is supported along with one prior version. Microsoft 365 has discontinued support for Internet Explorer 11 and is not recommended for accessing the MTP. Microsoft Edge’s IE mode provides built-in support for legacy websites and applications that still require Internet Explorer.

Will taxpayers be able to set up payment plans in the MTP?

Starting on December 1, 2022, registered MTP users will be able to set up payment plans via the MTP for all Rollout 1 and Rollout 2 taxes and programs. See <insert> for a list of Rollout 1 and Rollout 2 taxes and programs. All payment plans set up via the MTP will be subject to review and approval by MRS.

What should Sales, Use, and Service Provider Tax taxpayers know about the second rollout of the MTP on December 1, 2022?

Changes coming for Sales, Use, and Service Provider Tax taxpayers include:
New Account Numbers - Sales, Use, and Service Provider Tax taxpayers will receive new eight-digit tax account numbers starting in December 2022.
Updated Certificates - Sales Tax taxpayers will be receiving updated Retailer and Resale Certificates showing the new account numbers. Exempt taxpayers will also be receiving updated Exemption Certificates. These updated certificates will be issued and sent starting in November 2022. Taxpayers will need to provide updated copies of the certificates to their vendors.
Reprogramming Registers - Retailers who currently have their registers programmed for the existing seven-digit account numbers may need to reprogram those registers for the new eight-digit account numbers.
New File Format - “Consolidated” filers (those filing for multiple Sales or Service Provider Tax locations) will use a different file format to submit their return. MRS will provide the revised file format in future correspondence and on MRS’s website in coming months.
i-File - Beginning on December 1, 2022, i-file (the current MRS online filing solution) will be limited to filing an original return. All return filing (original and amended), payment, account and address maintenance, and other online services will be available on the MTP at that time. The limited i-File functionality will continue to be available until early 2023.

What Estate Tax Functions are Available on MTP?

Estate Tax forms are now accepted on the Maine Tax Portal (MTP). Personal Representatives of the estate can file either Form 706ME or the Form 700-SOV (Statement of Value). For information on which of these forms should be filed, click here. If you are a third-party Authorized Representative, filing on behalf of the Personal Representative, you can file the Form 700-SOV (Statement of Value) and Form 706ME as a “non-logged-in activity” on the MTP. To access the MTP, click here.

Where are my Estimated Tax Payments?

Estimated tax payments processed after October 21, 2021 for Rollout 1 taxes are visible in the MTP. Estimated tax payments made prior to that date have been credited to taxpayer accounts in MRS’s legacy tax system and will be applied to any new tax debt as appropriate. See What is the Maine Tax Portal? for a list of Rollout 1 taxes.

Do taxpayers and authorized third parties have to use Multi-Factor Authentication to access MTP accounts?

Yes, MRS requires multi-factor authentication to access and use MTP accounts to secure accounts and taxpayer data. MTP users may receive texts or emails to obtain the required confirmation code (which then must be entered at the prompt on the MTP to gain access) or may use an authentication app such as Google or Microsoft Authenticator.

What resources are available to assist taxpayers and tax professionals in using the MTP?

Online Help – Online Help for the MTP may be accessed by clicking this link - (Maine Tax Portal Help)

Instructional Videos – MTP instructional videos for Rollout 1 taxes may be accessed by clicking this link - Maine Tax Portal Instructional Videos | Maine Revenue Services

Where can I learn more?

Sign up for Maine Revenue Services’ Tax Alerts and watch your inbox for more information or visit www.Maine.gov/revenue/portal. Any questions about the Maine Tax Portal can be submitted via email to taxpayerassist@maine.gov with “Portal” in the subject line.

How do I know if the returns I have filed on the Maine Tax Portal have been received by Maine Revenue Services?

Any tax return filed through the Maine Tax Portal (MTP) will be acknowledged by a Submission Confirmation message on your screen that lets you know your return has been received and is being processed. You can also view your pending MTP submissions on the Submissions Tab in the system. Once your return has been filed on the MTP, users should not file a duplicate return through our older systems, MEETRS or I-File (these systems are being deactivated on May 31, 2023), or file a duplicate return on paper.

I registered for a tax using the Maine Tax Portal (MTP); how will I know if and when that registration is established?

Here are the key things to know:

For all new tax accounts except Cannabis Excise Tax:

You will know that your tax registration has been accepted when you receive a confirmation number from the MTP, upon completion of the new tax account registration
Once you have set up a MTP username, you will see your new tax account and the account number for that tax account in the system
You may immediately file returns, make payments, view balances, and perform other MTP functions for the particular tax right away

For new Cannabis Excise Tax accounts, the process for registration is the same as explained above; also, the new account number is immediately viewable in the system for those who have established a MTP username. However, Maine Revenue Services (MRS) performs an additional review to verify cannabis eligibility. If eligibility is confirmed, no further action is required. If taxpayer eligibility is denied, the Cannabis Excise Tax account will be removed and MRS will contact the applicant, explaining the reason(s) for the denial.

Obtaining and Using a Maine Tax Portal Username

How do I sign up for the Maine Tax Portal for Rollout 1 Taxes and Programs?

Taxpayers and authorized third parties for Rollout 1 taxes and fees may register now to use the Maine Tax Portal at https://revenue.maine.gov/_/.

Once you have navigated to the MTP click on "Create a Username" and follow the instructions to complete your registration. You will be required to provide ID (e.g. SSN, EIN, or TIN), name, address, logon credentials, contact phone number, and email address. Once required information has been provided, MTP will guide you through the confirmation process.

Registration for Rollout 2 taxes will be available in the fall of 2022. See FAQ 5 for key dates for MTP registration recommended by MRS.

How do I sign up for the Maine Tax Portal for Rollout 2 Taxes and Programs?

Here is what you need to do:

a. Watch the mail. Invitations to register for the Maine Tax Portal will be mailed to you starting in November 2022.

b. In the meantime, download your account history. For your records, download your filing and payment history from I-File, MEETRS, and EZ-Pay. Once I-File, MEETRS, and EZ-Pay systems are deactivated on May 31, 2023, your historical account information will no longer be available on those platforms.

c. Sign up for an upcoming Maine Tax Portal training webinar. MRS will host free, live training webinars beginning in August 2022 – see schedule online at maine.gov/revenue/portal.

d. After December 1, 2022, remember to set up your Maine Tax Portal account. You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, and either a Letter ID (found in the top right corner of recent Maine Revenue Services correspondence for a R1 or R2 tax type) OR the dollar amount of a tax return or refund from one of the past three filings. The letter ID is formatted as L#####.

e. Coordinate with your tax professionals. If you use a third-party tax professional, such as a tax accountant, to prepare your business taxes both you and the tax professional will need to create Maine Tax Portal accounts. Third parties must request access to their clients’ Maine Tax Portal accounts, and clients must authorize access. Step-by-step instructions and resources are available on the MRS website at maine.gov/revenue/portal.

f. Confirm when you should begin using the Maine Tax Portal, based on your tax type and filing frequency - see schedules below.

Sales, Use, and Service Provider Taxes

Filing Frequency	Initial MTP Filing Period	Due Date	Recommended Date to Begin Using the MTP
Monthly	11/01/22 – 11/30/22	12/15/22	Beginning 12/01/22
Annual	01/01/22 – 12/31/22	01/17/23	Beginning 01/01/23
Semi-Annual	07/01/22 – 12/31/22	01/17/23	Beginning 01/01/23
Quarterly	01/01/23 – 03/31/23	04/18/23	Beginning 04/01/23
Seasonal	06/01/23 – 06/30/23	07/17/23	Beginning 07/01/23

Income Tax Withholding

Withholding filers are encouraged to register for the Maine Tax Portal by January 31, 2023 (prior to filing their fourth quarter return).

All Other Rollout 2 Taxes and Programs
Taxpayers are encouraged to register for the Maine Tax Portal starting on December 1, 2022.

How do Maine municipalities obtain an MTP username?

Here are the key things to know:

Maine municipalities do not need to register as a ‘new business,’ but do need to obtain a username and password to create a MTP account.
Obtaining a username and password for MTP requires you to do the following:
- Visit revenue.maine.gov and click the “Create a Username” link to get started
- Select, “I represent a business or an organization” and click on the NEXT button
- Review the “required information” screen and click on the NEXT button
- Provide the ID Type (FEIN); enter the FEIN in the Tax ID field; and enter an applicable Account Type (examples of Account Types for municipalities include, Income Tax Withholding and Exemption). Note: Only one of the applicable Account Types needs to be provided. Once complete, click the NEXT button
- When prompted on the next screen, provide one of the following:
  - Amount due from one of the last three returns (zero return amount cannot be used for authentication)
  - Amount to be refunded from one of the last three returns
  - Any Letter ID from a letter I received from the new system The “Letter ID” from any communication received from the Maine Tax Portal
- Complete the process as directed by the application from within the MTP

What if we lose or didn’t receive the MTP invitation letter from Maine Revenue Services? Can we still get a Maine Tax Portal Username?

Yes. You may use return information from one of your past three filings or the date and Letter ID from recent correspondence received from Maine Revenue Services for a R1 or R2 tax type. The Letter ID is found on the top right corner of the letter and is formatted as L#####.

Do I need to setup different usernames for each of my tax accounts?

No. Each taxpayer only needs to set up one username on the Maine Tax Portal to access all their tax accounts.

Can taxpayers and third parties obtain a username for the Maine Tax Portal in advance of December 1, 2022?

No. Any taxpayer or authorized third party with a Rollout 2 tax account must wait until December 1, 2022 to create a username on the Maine Tax Portal and access their accounts.

Do taxpayers who created usernames in Rollout 1 in 2021 need to create new usernames to access their applicable tax accounts in Rollout 2?

No. Any taxpayers who created usernames in the first rollout in 2021 will automatically have online access to their applicable tax accounts on December 1, when Rollout 2 is complete. To check the Rollout Schedule, go to maine.gov/revenue/portal.

Do Maine Tax Portal users need to change their passwords on any given frequency (e.g. monthly, or annually)?

No, Maine Tax Portal users may change their passwords at any time, but will not be required to do so by Maine Revenue Services.

If I am a business owner with multiple businesses, can I create one username and password that allows me to access my multiple businesses at the same time?

No. Taxpayers who have multiple businesses that are separately registered for Maine taxes must set up a MTP username for each of those businesses to access their tax accounts.

If I am a third-party tax preparer, can I create one username and password that allows me to access multiple businesses at the same time?

Yes. A third-party username may be set up that allows consolidated access to all businesses and their authorized tax accounts. See Does the Maine Tax Portal support authorized third-party access ? for additional information.

How do I print history from I-file?

Taxpayers may obtain instructions for printing I-file history at Sales, Use, Service Provider I-File System (maine.gov)

If I have employees who only need access to certain tax accounts, can I set up secondary usernames that limit access to only those tax accounts?

Yes. If you would like to allow another individual access to your account, you may issue that individual a secondary log-in on the Maine Tax Portal. Here's how to do it:

Log in to the Maine Tax Portal.
Click on the "Manage My Profile" link.
Select "More" tab and within that the "My Users" panel
Click on the "Manage Secondary Logins" link and click “Add”
Provide the information requested and give the secondary user the needed privileges to access those specific tax accounts.

When the setup process is complete, the secondary user will receive an email message with a link to set their password. The primary user can return to the “Manage Secondary Logins” link at any time to edit or discontinue secondary access, as needed.

Can I provide return information to obtain a Maine Tax Portal username if I have filed $0 returns?

No. If prior returns have all been filed with $0 tax, you must validate your account using a Letter ID from one of the notices received from Maine Revenue Services. Additionally, all taxpayers should have received a Maine Tax Portal invitation letter, which also has a Letter ID that you can use.

We currently have an iFile, EZ Pay, or MEETRS login with you. Do we need to re-register for the Maine Tax Portal?

Yes, the Maine Tax Portal (MTP) is new and different from the existing systems that have been in place for many years. If you have recently created a new username in the MTP over the past several months, then you are all set. If not, then you will need to do so. The old systems, I-File, E-Z Pay and MEETRS, will all be deactivated on May 31, 2023. Information on obtaining a MTP username may be found at maine.gov/revenue/portal.

Third Party Topics

Does the Maine Tax Portal support authorized third-party access?

The Maine Tax Portal allows a taxpayer to authorize a third party (e.g., accountant, attorney, or other representative) to perform functions on a taxpayer’s behalf for all taxes and programs in Rollout 1. Taxpayers manage the access levels for the third party and access can be revoked at any time by the taxpayer. Depending on the access level, third-party users can view submissions, letters, messages, and submit payments and returns on a taxpayer’s behalf. There is no limit to the number of accounts/customers a third party may have access to.

If I am a third-party tax preparer, can I create one username and password that allows me to access multiple businesses at the same time?

I have contacted my accountant about the Maine Tax Portal (MTP). Can my accountant obtain a MTP username for my business?

Although you may have contracted with your accountant to file returns on your behalf, all business owners must still create a MTP account first and then grant access to a desired third-party, after the third-party creates their own username as well. If you use a third-party bulk payroll provider, they will be able to file your returns without special access to your MTP account. However, for you to view account activity and much more, you will need to create your own MTP username. The process is explained in detail on the MTP information page, with instructional videos, FAQs, and more at maine.gov/revenue/portal.

If you need assistance setting up your MTP account, please reach out to the Taxpayer Contact Center. The direct email is taxpayerassist@maine.gov and the phone number is 207-624-9784.

Bulk Filer Topics

Will Bulk Filers be Required to Use the MTP?

Yes. Bulk filing will be available on the Maine Tax Portal for Income Tax Withholding on December 1, 2022. The Maine Tax Portal will be available for Payroll Service Providers and others at this time.

In order to use the Maine Tax Portal for bulk filing, Payroll Service Providers and other bulk filers must create a username on the Maine Tax Portal.

A few items to note:

MEETRS will no longer support form 941A-ME after December 1, 2022. The Maine Tax Portal will be the only option to file form 941A-ME.
Forms W-2, 1099, or W-2G will remain available on MEETRS until October 2023. After that time, they will only be available on the Maine Tax Portal.
MEETRS, which is currently used for bulk filing, will remain available to file forms 941ME and W-3ME after December 1, 2022 until May 31, 2023.

How do I submit a bulk withholding file?

As a Payroll Service Provider who submits bulk withholding files to Maine Revenue Services, you would simply create a username and password on the Maine Tax Portal and follow the directions below.

Log into the Maine Tax Portal at revenue.maine.gov
Select the “More” tab
Locate the “Payments & Returns” panel
Select “Upload Bulk Withholding File”
Enter the .txt file and validate it before submitting to Maine Revenue Services.

All Income Tax Withholding files submitted on the Maine Tax Portal must conform to the MRS specifications, available at maine.gov/revenue/electronic-services/meetrs-file-upload. Files that do not adhere to these rules, will not pass validation. A sample file is available at the link above.

How do I set up Third Party Access to your client’s account for submission of a single withholding return and/or payment on behalf of a client:

Note: A Payroll Service Provider does not need to have Third Party Access to client accounts to provide a bulk filing to MRS.

Your client will need to create a username on the Maine Tax Portal.

Note: This username creation should be done by the owner of the business. The business should not share the account username or password with any other entity, rather they should encourage the other entity to request Third Party access.

You, as a Payroll Service Provider, will need to create your own username on the Maine Tax Portal.

Go to the Maine Tax Portal at revenue.maine.gov
Select “Create a Username”
Select “I am a licensed payroll processor or independent third-party who works on behalf of a person or entity.”

Note: If you are a Payroll Service Provider who works for multiple clients, you only need to create one username and password on the Maine Tax Portal. Through this one account, you can request access to all of your clients’ accounts.

Once your username and password are created, you will need to request access to your client’s account.

Log into the Maine Tax Portal at revenue.maine.gov
Select “Manage My Profile”
Select the “More” tab
Locate the “Access Management” panel
Select “Request Third Party Access”
Enter your client’s information You will need the client’s EIN/SSN and 8-digit Account ID to request access.
You will receive a confirmation number for your request.

Once you have requested access to your client’s account, your client will need to log in to his or her own Maine Tax Portal account and authorize third party access.

The client should log into the Maine Tax Portal at revenue.maine.gov
Select “Manage My Profile”
Select the “More” tab
Locate the “Access Management panel”
Select “Pending Third Party Requests.” Once your client grants access, you will be able to view your client’s account(s) through your Maine Tax Portal account.

How should Payroll Service Providers (PSP) handle MTP Income Tax Withholding submissions for my business?

If you have hired a PSP to file and/or pay withholding taxes for your business, the PSP will need to initiate a third-party access request to the business owner through the PSP’s Maine Tax Portal account. The business owner will then log in to their Portal account and approve the pending request. Both the withholding returns and the payments should be initiated through the Maine Tax Portal. If the PSP is a “bulk filer,” then it is not necessary for the PSP to initiate a third-party access request to fille the returns.

Is there an example file to reference?

You can find an example here: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/electronic-services/meetrs-file-upload

I only file for myself. Is there an alternative to the .txt file?

Yes, you can simply file your 941ME using "View and File Returns" on your corresponding Income Tax Withholding Account.

New Account Numbers for Income Tax Withholding Are these required?

Those who remit Income Tax Withholding will receive new eight-digit account numbers starting in November 2022. Remitters may use either the new 8-digit account number or the current 11-digit account number for filing and payment on the Maine Tax Portal. (There is no end date for being able to use existing 11-digit account numbers).

One exception: for taxpayers who register for Income Tax Withholding after November 14, 2022, Payroll Service Providers will need to include the new 8-digit account number in their bulk filings.

The bulk file submission format will not change. It is important that remitters use the exact account number. DO NOT add additional digits to the number to create an 11-digit number out of an 8-digit number), as that may coincide with another entity’s account number.

All files must conform to MRS specifications, available here. Files that do not adhere to these specifications will not pass validation and cannot be submitted. A sample file will be available at the link above.

How do the new account numbers work for Income Tax Withholding?

One exception: for taxpayers who register for Income Tax Withholding after November 14, 2022, Payroll Service Providers will need to include the new 8-digit account number in their bulk filings.

I accidentally submitted the wrong file. What do I do?

You can access your file submission using the "Search Submissions” feature in the Portal under the “More” tab. If the submission is still pending, you can delete or edit your submission. If the file contains errors that cannot be processed by the Portal (such as a missing character), the user will receive an immediate error message with this information. After the file has been processed, if there are errors that need to be corrected, the user should submit a new file, plus a corresponding amended 941ME return.

If my file contains an error, will the entire file be rejected?

Your file will go through a validation process, and it will be rejected if any errors are detected. These errors will be outlined for your convenience. The file will only be accepted once all errors are corrected.

If a Payroll Service Provider files a single non-bulk file withholding return on behalf of a taxpayer client, does that Payroll Service Provider need to create a third-party account and request access?

Yes. If a Payroll Service Provider is filing a single withholding return on behalf of a taxpayer client, that Payroll Service Provider must create an account on the Maine Tax Portal, by going to maine.gov/revenue/portal, selecting “Create a Username,” and requesting third-party access to the client’s account. The client must set up an account on the Maine Tax Portal and authorize the third party to access the account. Please note that third-party access is not required for bulk file submissions.

How long will the Maine Employers Electronic Tax Reporting System (MEETRS) be available?

MEETRS will be available for original 941ME and W-3ME submissions until May 31, 2023.

How should the shortened Account ID be entered in the Account ID field?

The field should be left-justified, and space filled. The hyphen in the ID can be excluded (ex: 12345678) or included (ex: 1234-5678).

Will old Account IDs be supported?

Yes. Both new and old Account IDs will be supported on MTP.

Can I file and pay unemployment insurance (UI) here?

No. This platform exclusively supports Maine Income Tax Withholding. In order to file and pay unemployment insurance, contact the Maine Department of Labor for UI information.

Will I also file my information returns (W-2/1099s) on the Maine Tax Portal (MTP)?

Beginning in Fall 2023, MTP will allow for filing information returns (W-2/1099s). In the meantime, MEETRS can be used to file information returns (W-2/1099s).

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