Maine offers a variety of property tax relief programs to assist eligible residents, including homeowners, renters, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Here’s an overview of the key programs available.
Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $25,000 in the assessed value of your home for property tax purposes. To qualify:
• you must be a permanent resident of Maine;
• the home must be your permanent residence; and
• you must have owned a home in Maine for the twelve months prior to applying.
An application must be filed on or before April 1 with the municipality where the property is located.
The exemption applies to any residential property that is assessed as real property. For instance, a mobile home located on a rented lot may qualify for the exemption. For FAQs and the application, see the Homestead Exemptions page.
Property Tax Deferral Program
This program allows eligible seniors (65 or older) and permanently disabled individuals to defer payment of property taxes on their homestead. The state pays the taxes to the municipality, and repayment is deferred until the property is sold, the owner moves, or passes away. Eligibility is income-based, and applications are due annually by April 1.
See this Guide for Applicants
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.
Homeowners or renters who meet all of the following requirements are eligible:
• 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 residence in Maine during the tax year;
• Meet certain income and property tax and/or rent paid limitations during the tax year; and
• Are not married filing separately.
For more information about this program, see this summary.
Veteran and Disability Exemptions
Maine offers property tax exemptions for eligible veterans and individuals with disabilities. Applications must be submitted to the local municipality by April 1.
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 an exemption of $6,000 from the just value of their home.
Paraplegic Veteran – A veteran who received a federal grant for a specially adapted housing unit is eligible for an exemption of $50,000 from the just value of their home.
Both of these programs use the same application form.
Veteran Exemption Application (PDF)
Blind Exemption – An individual who is determined to be legally blind is eligible to receive an exemption of $4,000 from the just value of their home.
Blind Exemption Application (PDF)
Municipal Property Tax Assistance Programs
Some municipalities in Maine offer additional property tax relief programs, but New Gloucester is not among them.
Municipal Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens: Allows municipalities to enact a property tax deferral program for elderly homeowners, with specific age and income thresholds.See 36 M.R.S. chapter 908-A.
Municipal Property Tax Assistance: Permits municipalities to provide benefits to resident homeowners through local ordinances. See 36 M.R.S. chapter 907-A.
