Impact of Maine’s New Streaming Tax on Monthly Subscriptions

Mainers, get ready for a new addition to your monthly bills in 2026! Starting January 1st, a change in state tax code means that streaming services—something most of us can’t live without—will be a bit pricier.

Wondering how this will affect your wallet? Well, up until now, Maine has been taxing cable, satellite TV, and even online purchases of movies and music, but not streaming subscriptions. That all changes with the new addition of digital video and audio services to Maine’s sales tax code.

So, what does this mean for you? Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Amazon Prime will now be subject to the state’s 5.5% sales tax. That means your monthly bill will see a bit of a bump, depending on how many services you subscribe to.

For example, a household with four streaming subscriptions could see an increase of around $3.57 per month, or about $43 per year. It may not seem like a huge amount, but it can add up over time.

Overall, the state estimates that this new tax will bring in around $5 million in 2026, climbing to $14 million by 2029. The goal is to create more equity in how these services are taxed, since cable services are already subject to tax.

So, Mainers, be prepared for a slight increase in your monthly entertainment expenses starting next year. Make sure to keep an eye on your bills to see how much the new tax will impact you.