Frequently Asked Questions

If you believe the assessment on your property is in excess of its Fair Market value, you are afforded the opportunity to appeal. You should first notify the appraisal firm KRT to set up an informal hearing. When questioning the assessment value, ask yourself three questions:

1. Is my property data correct? (living area, bedrooms, baths, lot size, etc.)
2. Is my value in line with others on the street?
3. Is my value in line with recent sale prices in my neighborhood or comparable areas?

If you believe the new assessed value does not represent fair market value of your property, you will be afforded an opportunity to have your concerns addressed through informal hearings, as well as more formal processes. Details regarding the appeal process will be published in the coming months to ensure taxpayers are fully aware of their rights and options.

Powered by Froala Editor

Towards the end of the Revaluation Project, every property owner will receive a notice of their proposed valuation based on the analysis performed. When a property owner has a question or concern about the proposed valuation, they are asked to schedule a date and time to discuss the valuation process and get answers to any questions they may have. An informal hearing is not a forum to discuss taxes; it is strictly meant to answer questions on the property valuations.

Property owners are asked to come prepared with questions and should have already compared their property to other similar sale properties in their neighborhood. Once the hearing is finished, a determination will be made on the need for further review and if changes are warranted.

Powered by Froala Editor

If you still feel entitled to relief after meeting or speaking with the Assessor, you should file a formal appeal in accordance with Maine State Statute, Title 36, §843: Appeals.

Yes. You should pay your taxes under protest for two major reasons:

1. To avoid interest being added and avoid any court costs including attorney's fees, if your non-payment is referred for collection.
2. So you will not lose your right of appeal for nonpayment as required by law.

Yes, tax relief programs that are available: Veteran's Exemption, Homestead Exemption, Blind Exemption, Property Tax Fairness Credit, Property Tax Deferral Program, Tree Growth Tax Program, Farm and Open Space Tax Program. For businesses: Maine Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement Program (BETR) and the Business Equipment Tax Exemption Program (BETE). Information on these programs is available on the Property Tax page.