EXEMPTIONS
Homestead Exemption
Application for Homestead Exemption
In 1998, the legislature enacted a new homestead exemption for Maine residents. Most homeowners whose principal residence is in Maine are entitled to a $7000 reduction in valuation (adjusted by the community's ratio of valuation to actual market sales). To qualify, homeowners must fill out a simple form declaring property as their principal residence by April 1 in the tax year claimed. Once the application is filed, the exemption remains until the owner sells or changes their place of residence.
Veterans Exemptions
Application for Veterans Exemption
Application for Widow, Minor Child, or Widowed Mother of a Veteran
Generally, veterans who have reached the age of 62 and who have served in a federally recognized war period, as well as 100% disabled veterans, qualify for an exemption of $5000 (adjusted by the community's ratio of valuation to actual market sales). The Widow, minor child or widowed mother of a veteran may qualify for this exemption as well. Proof of service and discharge, such as a copy of their DD214, is required. Deadline for filing of application is April 1. Contact the Assessor's office at 829-2204 for additional information.
Blind Exemption
Application for Blind Exemption
People who have been declared legally blind by their physician are entitled to an exemption up to $4,000. Deadline for filing application is April 1. Contact the Assessor's Office at 829-2204 for additional information.
The Town cannot grant real estate tax exemptions or tax reductions to selected properties. Article 9 section 9 of the State constitution states that "the legislature shall never, in any manner, suspend or surrender the power of taxation". Only the legislature can add or remove rules for real estate taxation. The State does, however, provide a few avenues for reducing one's taxes such as the Tree Growth program or the Farm and Open Space program.
Tree Growth
The Maine Tree Growth Tax Law provides for the valuation of land, which has been classified as forest land on the basis of productivity value, rather than on fair market value. The State determines the 100% valuation per acre for each forest type classified. Once classified, any change in use or withdrawal from classification results in a supplemental tax penalty. For more information and an application contact the Assessor's Office.
Farm and Open Space
The Farm and Open Space Tax Law provides for the valuation of land which has been classified as farmland or open space land on its current use as farmland or open space, rather than its potential fair market value for use other than agricultural or open space.
Farmland -Land registered for long-term agricultural use. The Assessor establishes the 100% valuation per acre based on the current use value of farmland utilized for agricultural or horticultural purposes and not potential developmental or market value uses. Once classified, any change in use or withdrawal results in a supplemental tax penalty. For more information and an application contact the Assessor's Office.
Open Space -Registered land providing a defined public benefit through preservation or restrictions on use. The valuation for open space land is either the market value of open space land adjusted by the certified ratio or an alternative percentage-based method. The percentage-based method provides for reduction from market value relative to the restrictions placed on the property. The greater the restrictions, the greater the reduction. Once classified, any change in use or withdrawal results in a supplemental tax penalty. For more information and an application contact the Assessor's Office.
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