state license

[boondocker]

just wondering how many of you guys from maine have a state license to sell syrup? i have all the paper work and my sap house is by the book, but before i go through all the red tap as far as getting a license i was wondering if it is worth it. just dont know if im stirring up the honet nest as far as a tax number and and all the garbage that goes along with it. i figure i have gone this far i might as well but just looking for some input to see what you guys have done........ thanks josh

[gmcooper]

We have a state license to sell syrup for 20 years. Most everyone ( I assume all) maple producers I know all have a license. With one you can sell with out one you can not legally sell maple syrup in Maine. We have an employer ID number but if you are sole proprietor you can just use SS number. We file schedual F tax form. Not a big deal. Your not likely to be making a profit so your income tax will not be going up.
Mark

[boondocker]

Thanks gmcooper, i kinda figured everybody did, i just wanted to maybe save myself the hassle and paperwork but i guess if im gonna sell i should be leagal. this will probly be the first leagal thing i have ever done

[MainelyMaple]

we got our license last year. they said they were going to send an inspector up and our sugarhouse and operation needed to meet all these guidelines etc. well a few weeks later we got the license in the mail and never heard from them again go figure

[boondocker]

yea when i contacted them back this early summer asking about getting the ball rolling, she emailed me a list of things that needed to be to spec before they would give me a license. so when i went to start building i went by the book, concrete slab, floor drain, stainless sink with drain, i had a 12ft peice of brand new corrian counter top that was damaged from when i built my house so that went in too and the list goes on....... she said the same thing to me about sending out sombody to inspect before they would give me a license and that it could take up to 8 weeks before they would get around to it so i guess i should get on the horn and get things rolling. thanks guys for the input. josh

[marc]

Did you call a state office in Augusta or your county? If state can you post the number? thanks

[boondocker]

Originally Posted by marc

Did you call a state office in Augusta or your county? If state can you post the number? thanks

yea let me look back through my emails, and i will post the number to the state and the ladys name to contact, she was very helpfull.

[boondocker]

marc contact kathy hopkins at khopkins@umext.maine.edu she can set you up with everthing you need to become licensed and will send you or email you a list of things that you will need to make your sap house so called legal

[marc]

boondocker, thanks for the effort in posting me the contact info. I really appreciate it.

[WF MASON]

I would have to say the number of licenced sugarmakers to unlicenced would be 50/50, I know just as many who make and sell syrup without out one as people who have a licence. I only know of one sugarmaker who is unlicenced who sells to the public that I'd have a health issue with. For some reason , during his filtering 'research' over the years , he explained to me that he found that 'red flannel pajamias' filter the syrup the best. Each winter he buys several new pair for the upcomming sugaring season.No I'm not kidding. Thank god he only makes fifteen or so gallons. I have been given a small bottle in the past, but never had the 'time' to sample it. I don't believe its much of a hassel to get a licence , so why not. Ask the inspector about filtering through 'red flannel pajamias' and see if you get a reaction.