NEW: Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens, is a State program that allows certain senior-citizen residents to stabilize or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. As long as you qualify and file a timely application EACH YEAR, the tax billed to you for your homestead will be frozen at the amount billed in the prior tax year. To be eligible for the program, an individual must meet ALL of the following as of April 1 of the property tax year for which they are requesting stabilization (so for applications due December 1, 2022, qualifications must be met as of April 1, 2023).
at least 65 years old
a permanent resident of Maine
have owned a Maine homestead for at least ten (10) years, and
be eligible for a homestead exemption on the property they are placing in the program
there are no income or asset limitations to qualify
Deferred Collection of Homestead Property Taxes. The State Property Tax Deferral Program is a lifeline loan program that can cover the annual property tax bills of Maine people who are ages 65 and older, or are permanently disabled and who cannot afford to pay them on their own. The loan program allows Maine’s most vulnerable community members to age in place and ensures that property taxes are still delivered to municipalities, requiring repayment of the loan once the property is sold or becomes part of an estate. Please read MRS Title 36, Chapter 908, Deferred Collection of Homestead Property Taxes very carefully, as there are many requirements to be eligible for this program. Interest will accrue on the unpaid taxes and the State of Maine will place a lien on your property until the deferred taxes are repaid to the State of Maine.
State Property Tax Deferral Application Form The application period for this program is January 1 through April 1. The 2022 filing period is over. The 2023 form will be posted on January 1, 2023
Property Tax Fairness Credit: Eligible Maine taxpayers may receive a portion of the property tax or rent paid during the tax year on the Maine individual income tax return whether they owe Maine income tax or not. If the credit exceeds the amount of your individual income tax due for the tax year, the excess amount of credit will be refunded to you. This form must be filed with your annual Maine State Tax return EACH YEAR. Homeowners or renters who meet ALL of the following requirements:
Were Maine residents during any part of the tax year;
Owned or rented a home in Maine during any part of the tax year and lived in that home during the year as a primary residence;
Paid property tax or rent on the primary resident in Maine during the tax year;
Meet certain income and property tax and/or rent paid limitations during the tax year; and
Abatement for inability to pay – Hardship or Poverty. An application must be submitted each year for which abatement is requested. Pursuant to 36 M.R.S. § 841(2)(C), the municipality must provide a written decision within 30 days from the date they receive your completed application.
Sullivan Tax Club. The Sullivan Real Estate Tax Club is available each year to spread your tax liability over 8 months of equal budget payments for current year real estate taxes.
Homestead Exemption -This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least 12 months and make the property they occupy on April 1st their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of $25,000
Veteran Exemption – A veteran who served during a recognized war period and is 62 years or older; or, is receiving 100% disability as a Veteran; or, became 100% disabled while serving, is eligible for $6,000.
Download and complete the appropriate form for the exemption you are claiming, and bring it to the town office with any required supporting documents. This link will provide you with the most updated form and answers to your questions. maine.gov/revenue/propertytax/exemptions
