Property Tax Relief Programs
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.
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.
The BETE program is a 100% property tax exemption program for eligible property that would have been first subject to tax in Maine on or after 4/1/08. BETE does not replace the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement program (see below). The BETR program remains in place for qualified property placed in service after April 1, 1995 and on or before April 1, 2007 and for retail property placed in service after April 1, 1995.
The BETR program is designed to encourage capital investment in Maine. The program reimburses taxpayers for local property taxes paid on most qualified business property. To qualify, qualified business property must have been first placed in service in Maine after April 1, 1995.
The State of Maine has four "current use" programs that offer the property owner a reduction in assessed value: Farmland, Open Space, Tree Growth, and Working Waterfront. The programs establish valuation of property at its current use, rather than at market value.
All four programs are available to property owners through an application process with the local municipality. Applications must be filed on or before April 1 of the year the reduced valuation is first requested.
Property must meet certain criteria to qualify for each program and any future change in the use of the land will cause disqualification resulting in a penalty.
Certain classes of property are tax exempt by law.
Fully exempt property tax may include real estate or personal property owned by governmental entities, school systems, and other institutions.
Partially exempt property tax relates to the following categories:
Homestead Exemption
Renewable Energy Investment Exemption
Veteran Exemption
Blind Exemption
Business Equipment Tax Exemption
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Contact Information
Mailing Address
262 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401
Office Location
Rear entrance, Penquis building
Phone
207-992-4215
Fax
207-945-4433
Hours
Staff available by appointment
By phone or email
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Email
cityassessor@bangormaine.gov
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