Unemployment Resource Guide. If you already have a Maine UI Account Number, you can find this on the Notice of Contribution Rate mained by the Maine Department of Labor each year. The State of Maine has no labor laws for defining part-time employment status. Employment Law Handbook has free detailed information for all categories. The Eligible Training Provider List on Maine JobLink allows you to search for programs by keyword or type of school. The state Labor Department says 1,927 people applied, down from more than 2,200 the week before. We require that jobs posted to our site meet minimum standards to ensure that there is an actual employment opportunity for jobseekers. Currently, the payroll penalty is $25 or 10% of the taxes due, whichever is greater. Be a “dislocated worker.”  A dislocated worker is someone who: Has been laid off from a job or has a layoff notice; OR. Payroll penalties accrue to your account every quarter that you are late in submitting quarterly wage reports. State unemployment insurance (SUI) tax rates are based on 20 categories. According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Maine fell 0.0 percentage points in December 2020 to 4.9%.The state unemployment rate was 1.8 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. We have legal authority to offset and withhold money you owe for any outstanding bill from money being returned to you as a refund. Determine the amount of your benefit. Maine - Businesses Business Licensing Maine Economic Development Secretary of State - Corporations. You may have have submitted reports and/or payments that were late, incurring interest and penalties. You have worked in the state of Maine or served in the military within the past 18 months. Welcome to Maine Job Link, Maine's publicly-funded job match and workplace information service for employers and job seekers. 26 M.R.S.A. Individual employer experience rates are calculated each year after July 31. If you are late in submitting wage reports and/or tax payments for a fraction of a month, you are charged interest for the entire month. If it is determined that your late records or payments were caused by an unavoidable occurrence, then up to 75% of the interest accrued to your account may be canceled. The amount of reasonable compensation will never exceed the amount received by the shareholder either directly or indirectly. A direct reimbursement employer can be either a governmental entity (Federal, State, County, Municipal government employers) or a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization (see Glossary for a definition of a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization) that is liable to pay unemployment insurance contributions. panel.style.maxHeight = panel.scrollHeight + "px"; Plans can be individually approved, but you can also select from a list of programs that are already pre-approved. You can file a Maine Internet claim if: 1. Please call us using the phone listing. The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. } Maine Unemployment Insurance Account Number If you are a new business, register online to retrieve your UI Account Number. As a successor, you acquire the experience rate of your predecessor. Center for Workforce Research and Information. However, if you acquire the predecessor business out of bankruptcy (free and clear of liens), you will acquire the predecessor’s rate only if it is lower than the average employer rate. If you submit a written request for a "Waiver of Interest and Penalties," the charges to your account may be waived for good cause. Maine Revenue Services. 13 sec. var panel = this.nextElementSibling; this.classList.toggle("active"); Fax:  (207) 287-3395. Please complete a "Combined Application for Tax Registration". } else { Three variables are used to calculate your rate: When any or all of these variables change, your rate can be affected. When unemployment taxes remain unpaid after repeated attempts to collect, we can secure any interest you have in real property as a means of collection. Center for Workforce Research and Information The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Register as a New Employer in Maine View Details Maine new employers will need to apply online at the Maine Employer Registration Internet System. There is no cost to the job applicant or the employer. Wages earned by each employee in excess of $12,000 are not taxable. COVID-19: Maine Employer Update. Follow us on social media or sign up for email alerts. Collecting Unemployment After a Layoff If you were laid off, lost your job in a reduction-in-force (RIF) , or got "downsized" for economic reasons, you will meet this requirement. Enroll in SIDES E-Response or to make changes to your existing registration. (UPDATED: NOVEMBER 2020) My staff and I have assembled this guide using answers directly from the Maine Department of Labor, with some minor updates, to help the thousands of Mainers who have lost their jobs or can’t find work due to the coronavirus.Our goal is to help you understand the options available to you and decide on a course of action. Special Programs Unit After you apply, you will receive a Wage Determination Letter document showing your weekly Maine unemployment insurance amount. In order to qualify for DWB you must be in an approved training program. in this FAQ listing. We welcome payment plans as a method to resolve delinquencies. Several court cases support the authority of the IRS to reclassify other forms of payments to a shareholder-employee as a wage expense which are subject to employment taxes. Bureau of Labor Standards. If your predecessor has an outstanding unemployment insurance balance, you could be liable for that amount. panel.style.maxHeight = null; Eligible Training Provider List on Maine JobLink, You can download an application for training approval, Seasonal Industries and Unemployment Benefits (Me. 13 sec.1221 relates to employee leasing companies and their client companies. If you are filling out a Maine unemployment application in person, you will need to take the following items with you: 1. For more detailed information and eligibility requirements, visit the Federal Bonding Program website or contact your local CareerCenter. Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. The Dislocated Worker Benefit program (DWB) gives extra weeks of unemployment benefits to unemployed workers in “approved” training programs. Speak to local groups to explain aspects of the unemployment law and system. S corporations must pay reasonable compensation to a shareholder-employee in return for services that the employee provides to the corporation before non-wage distributions may be made to the shareholder-employee. Please be sure to fill out section #6 on the application. Helps reduce unemployment tax rates by reducing improper payments, Detects potential claim issues more timely, Data checks to ensure exchange of complete and valid registration, Toll-Free: 1-800-593-7660 (Customer service available Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), TTY/Relay for Deaf and hard of hearing: Maine relay 711. if (panel.style.maxHeight){ The unemployment rate in Maine peaked in April 2020 at 10.4% and is now 5.5 percentage points lower. If you or the person or company involved owes us back taxes, we are able to withhold any income tax refund, regardless of any payment plan. You may have remaining taxes due after a change in status, such as when you acquire another business. This an employer-only tax. Employer Services Unemployment is an insurance program providing temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. For the quarters the seasonal business is not in operation, the employer should report zero wages. If there is a minus sign after the amount, then this is a credit to your account. This helps fund Maine unemployment insurance benefits, which are paid out for up to 26 weeks to employees who qualify. Bureau of Employment Services. State Unemployment Tax & Rate In Maine, the new employer SUI (state unemployment insurance) rate is 1.92 percent on the first $12,000 of wages for each employee. Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Call us using the phone listing if you have further questions. Workers in an approved training program do not have to look for work as long as they are attending school. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics defines a part-time employee as someone who worked less than 35 hours per week. See also Table of Seasonal Industries (Me. Wage records are a good check and balance system against former employees receiving benefits fraudulently. Home → Unemployment Insurance → Employers Frequently Asked Questions. The dates of all of the jobs that you have held in the past (This is not always required, but is very helpful to have). Plus, it's fast and easy! Maine Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance New Hire Registry. Auxiliary aids and services are … Answer questions about liability, rates, seasonality, successorships and much more. If your refund is greater than the amount of back taxes owed to us, then you will receive the remaining amount. If you acquire substantially all of the assets of a subject employer’s organization, business, or trade, you may be liable as a successor employer. You can download an application for training approval. You can file an initial claim for unemployment benefits online or by telephone by calling 1-800-593-7660, or by mail if your employer has given you a Maine Form B-9 (Green Slip). FX-33) and Seasonal Industries and Unemployment Benefits (Me. acc[i].addEventListener("click", function() { 1251 allows industries and certain businesses that operate for less than 26 weeks in a calendar year to be deemed "seasonal." As a Maine employer subject to … If not, you will be assigned the average employer rate. The number of Mainers filing first-time claims for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fell to 725, from just over 2,000 the week before. Accurate and up-to-date wage records are required each quarter in order to process claims for unemployment benefits. These employers may choose not to pay quarterly unemployment contributions, but instead pay, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, all of the unemployment benefits awarded to a former worker. However, if you acquire a business as a successor you inherit the experience rate of your predecessor. The Maine Department of Labor helps raise unemployment funds by levying taxes on employers. Click to read more. You will be able to register here for both your your state unemployment insurance (SUI) number, and your withholding account number for … When the State of Maine recognizes a business as seasonal, the seasonal business cannot be charged for unemployment benefit claims from former workers if the work performed by those employees was performed exclusively within the seasonal period of the business. Has been unemployed for a long time and has little chance of returning to their prior job, or getting a similar one. With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise in Maine, many employers are struggling facing difficult decisions regarding their business operations and employees. The instructions to the Form 1120S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, state "Distributions and other payments by an S corporation to a corporate officer must be treated as wages to the extent the amounts are reasonable compensation for services rendered to the corporation." Augusta ME, 04333-0047, Tel:  (207) 621-5103 The program is funded by Unemployment premiums paid by employers based on the amount of wages paid for covered employment. I-17), Department of Labor Freedom of Access Contact Information. There are several reasons why you may have received a bill: For 2020, the interest rate is 7% per year and it is compounded monthly. Bureau of Employment Services. An Approved Training Program is an education or training program approved by the Unemployment Insurance Commission. }); Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. Bureau of Labor Standards. Once the lien is paid in full along with any other delinquent costs, we will record a discharge at the Registry of Deeds in the appropriate county, which will clear your title. After a worker uses up all of his or her regular unemployment benefits and any extended benefits, the DWB program may provide up to 26 more weeks of benefits to help finish a training program. Contribution penalties accrue to your account when you are late in making unemployment contributions. If you are not yet enrolled in an approved training program, here is a list out what programs are approved. You may also call the Maine Department of Labor at 207-623-7981 and ask to speak with the Federal Bonding Coordinator. Several factors are considered when computing an employer's tax rate, such as the annual taxable wages of the employer, benefit charges and contributions paid. Bureau of Labor Standards. The dates that you worked at your last employer. Reporting Refusal of Return to Work related to COVID-19, Respond to Separation Requests for Information, Protect your business from higher unemployment taxes, Department of Labor Freedom of Access Contact Information. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Effective January 1, 2000, the taxable wage base for the State of Maine is $12,000. Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. You may request a refund by calling us. In Maine, as in other states, you must be out of work through no fault of your own to qualify for unemployment benefits. 3. 47 State House Station If your training program has not already been approved you will need to fill out an application to be sure the training program you want can be approved. Employer's Guide to Unemployment Insurance Tax in Maine Everything employers need to know about paying unemployment insurance taxes in Maine.. for (i = 0; i < acc.length; i++) { Your last employer's name and address. You're one step closer to finding candidates for your open jobs. Take advantage of these additional tools by opening an Employer Account: Post your job openings. This will help ensure that your benefits will continue without interruption. Data on part-time employees in Maine can be estimated from the Current Population Survey [3] (CPS). Follow us on social media or sign up for email alerts. Employers with previous employees may be subject to a different rate of up to 5.4 percent. Save searches and resumes. Maine jobless claims remain high as state implements new employer tax Sun-Journal | 30d Thousands more Mainers filed new applications for unemployment benefits in the first week of 2021 as the economic reverberations of the coronavirus pandemic continued to affect the state’s labor market. var i; Under employee leasing agreements, the employee leasing company is responsible for meeting unemployment tax requirements. 4. 2. Please answer a few questions to... Register With the Department of Labor (and Maine Revenue Services). When filing a Maine unemployment insurance claim, you must provide your name, phone number, social security number, any places of employment over the last 18 months and their addresses and telephone numbers, and the dates of employment for each employer. Currently, the contribution penalty is 1% of the unpaid contributions due per month, up to a maximum of 25% of the amount unpaid. The additional funds were made possible through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and applies to all states, some of which have already gotten the benefits applied. A direct reimbursement employer can be either a governmental entity (Federal, State, County, Municipal government employers) or a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization (see Glossary for a definition of a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization) that is liable to pay unemployment insurance contributions. However, the client company will become liable for meeting unemployment tax requirements if the employee leasing company should not pay. You mail or fax your completed application to: Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Assist employers with registering, filling quarterly wage reports, and making payments. Seasonal businesses are required to file quarterly wage reports every quarter during the calendar year. Center for Workforce Research and Information The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Maine CareerCenters provide a variety of employment and training services at no charge for Maine workers and businesses. Advisory services on unemployment insurance benefit charges and tax matters. Unemployment Insurance The Bureau of Unemployment Compensation contributes to economic stability by providing temporary employer-funded benefits to eligible individuals while they seek re-employment. If the amount due is positive, then you should call us and follow the procedures noted on the bill. I-17). }. Need info about Maine's employment and labor laws? Employer Login. AUGUSTA, Maine — Mainers who are receiving unemployment benefits will soon see a $600 bump in payments beginning early next week, the Maine Department of Labor said Tuesday. Payments and charges applied to your account after that date will be calculated for the following year. Be sure to apply before your regular or extended unemployment benefits end. var acc = document.getElementsByClassName("accordion"); Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. Taxation. Maine Unemployment - Know Your Rights | AboutUnemployment.org General. 5. Maine Unemployment. You must fill out an application for DWB. Yes. 26 M.R.S.A 13 sec.1221 concerns experience rates. Typically, if an employer chooses to provide severance benefits, it must comply with the terms of its established policy or employment contract. Have used up all of your regular and any extended unemployment benefits, Be enrolled in an “approved training program.”, The amount of benefits charged to your account in the past year, The amount of taxes paid from July 1 of the previous year to July 31 of the current year, Toll-Free: 1-800-593-7660 (Customer service available Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), TTY/Relay for Deaf and hard of hearing: Maine relay 711. Whether your business is growing or downsizing, CareerCenters can assist with job retention, expansion, and creation, as well as assist workers who are facing job loss due to downsizing or closures. You may have paid the wrong amount on your original bill or or made contributions at the wrong tax rate, and are being billed for the remaining amount. Employer Use Policy. Unlike most other online job posting sites, creating an employer account is absolutely FREE. We operate an accessible, integrity-driven program in a timely and accurate manner. Center for Workforce Research and Information The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. ... Maine Emergency Unemployment Bill. You may submit a Waiver of Interest and Penalties for good cause. Auxiliary aids and services are … Maine labor laws do not generally require employers to provide employees with severance pay. Center for Workforce Research and Information. Employer Links. Yes. The wage information you provide allows us to match your records with those reported by the claimant. Your individual experience rate is calculated each year after July 31, and takes into account all payments and charges made to your account before that date. ME UC-1-PV Quarterly Return Payment Voucher for Maine Unemployment Contributions (PDF) 941BN-ME Business change notification (PDF) 941A-ME Amended return of income tax withheld is no longer available for tax years after 2016. Section 1228 of Maine Employment Security Law addresses successor liability. For more on successors, see Am I a successor? Bureau of Employment Services. Auxiliary aids and services are … Please call the Field Advisor and Examiner nearest you or an Unemployment Tax Representative listed in the phone listing. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. TTY users call Maine Relay 711. Appellate services to resolve benefit eligibility and unemployment tax liability disputes. March 18, 2020. You may appeal an unemployment tax bill within 30 days of the mailing date on the bill by writing to: First, look at the amount due. Your reasons for the request for a "Waiver of Interest and Penalties" should be outlined in your initial request. Maine unemployment insurance taxes vary based on the employer's qualifications. Home → Unemployment Insurance → Employer Services, SIDES (State Information Data Exchange System). You have not filed a claim for Maine followed the national trend of fewer first-time unemployment claims last week. 26 M.R.S.A. SIDES E-Response provides an easy and efficient portal for electronically posting responses to separation information requests. Maine.gov - Official site includes links to services available online, Governor, state agencies, Legislature, US Congressional delegation, state parks, and tax information. You must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to download the application. In Maine an employer or employing unit is covered under unemployment insurance if it paid at least $1,500 in wages during any calendar quarter in the current or previous calendar year.