1. Portland-specific tax handling
- State sales tax: 5.5%. Local jurisdictions in Portland may add their own rate β verify with your local tax assessor.
- Late fees: ME statute Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 9-B, Β§432 caps interest on unpaid invoices at 1.5% per month.
2. Standard attorney line items
- Hourly billing β billed by hour (~$350 default).
- Flat fee β service β billed by flat.
- Filing fees (cost advance) β billed by itemized.
- Trust deposit (IOLTA) β billed by flat.
3. Payment terms that work in Portland
Net 30 is standard for attorneys. Most attorneys in competitive markets like Portland require a 100% deposit upfront before scheduling work. Accept card and ACH on the invoice itself β Portland customers expect a one-click payment link in their inbox.
4. Licensing & disclosures
Bar admission required. Trust accounting (IOLTA) governed by state bar rules; commingling client funds is sanctionable.
Metro
Portland
State
ME
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
100%