Homeowners and renters are missing out on millions of dollars in tax relief. Use the resources below to learn more.
You may be eligible to receive money back
Maine Program Overview
Property Tax-Aide features three program in Maine: Property Tax Fairness Credit Circuit Breaker, and the Homestead Exemption Program.
The information on this page is updated as new information becomes available by the relevant tax agencies.
Property Tax Fairness Credit Circuit Breaker
Eligibility
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;
- Your total income includes federal total income with certain add-backs, such as social security benefits, interest and losses.
- Paid property tax or rent on the primary residence in Maine during the tax year, including up to 10 acres of land; 15% of rent is used to calculated refund. If rent includes heat, utilities, furniture or similar items enter the amount. If you do not know the amount, reduce rent by 15%.
- Meet certain income and property tax and/or rent paid limitations during the tax year; and
- For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, property tax paid includes amounts paid on the taxpayer’s behalf during the tax year by the State to the municipality under the Property Tax Deferral Program
- You cannot apply if you are married filing separately.
Application Deadline
- April 15, 2025
- You have to file a Maine income tax return, even if your income subject to Maine income tax is less than the sum of the Maine standard deduction plus your personal exemption.
Required Documentation
- You may be asked to provide proof of the property taxes paid or rent receipts or cancelled checks before a refund is issued.
- To claim the credit, file Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC/STFC for the tax year during which the property tax or rent was paid.
Additional Information & Resources
For additional information and resources, please visit the State of Maine’s official Property Tax Fairness Credit webpage.
Direct questions about this program to the Maine Department of Revenue at [email protected] or call (207) 626-8475.
Access Form 1040ME here
Access 1040ME General Instructions here
Access the Schedule PTFC/STFC Form here
If you’d like to e-file, you may do so here.
Property Tax Deferral
Once your application is approved, you may continue to defer the property taxes on your homestead in future years as long as there is no change in circumstances that might lead to disqualification or removal.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for the program, you must be at least 65 years old or unable to work due to a disability.
- For applications filed after January 1, 2024, all owners must have combined liquid assets of less than $150,000 ($100,000 if a single owner) and combined income of less than $80,000.
- You must own your property fee simple so that there are no limitation on your ability to sell or encumber the property and you are not participating in a municipal deferral program.
- You occupy the property as your principal residence, and you must be receiving a homestead exemption on the property (See Homestead Exemption Program below)
- For applications filed after January 1, 2024, certain municipal liens are permissible, but there must be no more than 2 years of delinquent property taxes at the time of application for deferral.
Application Deadline
- You must file an application with your local municipal assessor between January 1 and April 1.
- The municipal assessor will verify certain information, then forward the application to Maine Revenue Services for review. MRS will review your application and may request additional information from you to confirm your eligibility for the program.
Required Documentation
- Proof of age, i.e., copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, or other official document that shows your name and birth date.
- If disabled, you must attach proof of disability. “Disability,” as defined in 36 M.R.S. § 6250(2-A), means a permanent and total impairment or condition that prevents an individual from being employed as determined by an agency of this State or of the Federal Government or pursuant to routine technical rules adopted by the State Tax Assessor.
Additional Information & Resources
The information above is also available on the Maine Revenue Service website
Direct questions about this program to the Property Tax Division of the ME Department of Revenue at [email protected] or call (207) 624-5600.
You may also contact your local municipal assessor.
You may access the Deferral application here
Homestead Exemption Program
Eligibility
- You must be a permanent resident of Maine
- The home must be your permanent residence,
- You must have owned a home in Maine for the twelve months prior to applying
- 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
Application Deadline
- An application must be filed on or before April 1 with the municipality where the property is located.
- Forms filed after April 1 of any year will apply to the subsequent year tax assessment.
Required Documentation
Residency proof includes
- You file Maine resident income tax return
- Your address on Maine driver’s license is the same as the homestead location
- Your legal address on fishing/hunting license is same as homestead location
- You pay motor vehicle excise tax in municipality
- You are a registered voter in the municipality.
Additional Information & Resources
For more information, visit the Property Tax Exemptions homepage
If you’d like to download an application, you may do so here or click the link under the “Your Resources” tab found on this page.
Questions should be directed to the municipality in which the property is located. In some cases, that can be a city or town.
Cumberland County residents may be able to call their assessor at 207-829-2204. York County residents can call 207-363-1005.
Your Resources
Your state accepts digital and mailed applications
Property Tax-Aide has independently selected the property tax relief programs featured on this website that we think are the most relevant and beneficial to older adults. It is not an exhaustive list of all property tax relief programs available in each state. Please consult your local tax agency for a comprehensive listing of property tax relief programs in your area.