How to Invoice as a General Contractor in Portland, ME

Invoicing guide for general contractors in Portland: 5.5% ME sales tax, 1.5%/mo late-fee cap, plus ME licensing and contractor rules.

Combined sales tax
5.5%
Late fee cap
1.5%/mo
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
25%
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1. Portland-specific tax handling

  • State sales tax: 5.5%. Local jurisdictions in Portland may add their own rate — verify with your local tax assessor.
  • Late fees: ME statute Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 9-B, §432 caps interest on unpaid invoices at 1.5% per month.

2. Standard general contractor line items

  • Mobilization — billed by flat.
  • Labor — billed by hour (~$85 default).
  • Materials — billed by itemized.
  • Subcontractor markup — billed by percent.

3. Payment terms that work in Portland

Net 30 is standard for general contractors. Most general contractors in competitive markets like Portland require a 25% deposit upfront before scheduling work. Accept card and ACH on the invoice itself — Portland customers expect a one-click payment link in their inbox.

4. Licensing & disclosures

Most states require a general contractor license over a job-value threshold (varies $500-$50K). Bonding and insurance commonly required.

Metro
Portland
State
ME
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
25%

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