Frequently Asked Questions

A Revaluation is the process of conducting the Data Collection and Market Analysis necessary to equalize the values of all properties within a municipality for the purpose of a fair distribution of the tax burden. The purpose of a Revaluation is not to raise or lower the tax assessments or tax base of a municipality. The main purpose of a Revaluation is to establish fairness and equity among all property owners and all property types.

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A Revaluation is done to equalize the values within a municipality to ensure a fair distribution of the tax burden. Property values change over time, but they do not all change at the same rate. Market value may have increased more for some neighborhoods and property types than for others, while others still may have decreased in value. A Revaluation is done to make sure assessed values reflect changes that have occurred in the real estate market. A Revaluation includes measuring and listing all properties to verify existing assessment data. The end goal is for assessments to be adjusted to reflect market value as of April 1, 2026.

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No, it is to create an equitable distribution of the property taxes, based on market value, required to meet the needs of local schools, government, and the county.

The Revaluation will be effective for the April 1, 2026, assessment date and reflected in the 2026-2027 Tax Commitment in July 2026.

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Below are a few of the assumptions that underlie the International Association of Assessing Officer’s Standard on Data Quality, as approved April 2021.

• High-quality data used as an input foster high-quality assessments.

• The quality of recorded data erodes over time as physical, economic, governmental, and societal factors change.

• Quality data and consistent practices are required and ensure that assessments are accurate and fair.

The last city-wide revaluation occurred in Bangor during the 1980’s. Sales have taken place where there is a significant difference between the assessed value and the sale price. Much of the difference is attributed to the assessed values being based on older property data. Title 36 of the Maine Revised Statutes Section 328 expressly requires that assessors perform a physical inspection and inventory of each parcel of land at least every four years. A review found that only 32% of properties in the City have been inspected over the last ten years.

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