Q. What is the Homestead Exemption and am I receiving it on my Real Estate Tax Bill?
A. The Homestead Exemption is a form of property tax relief for property owners in Maine.  The exemption amount is $13,000.

The exemption is subtracted from the total assessment of your property. To determine whether you are receiving this or any other exemption, you will notice on your tax bill under the land and building assessment, the line labeled Exemption Value. This will indicate the amount of the exemption that you are receiving.

Q. Are there any other exemptions or programs that I may apply for?
A. The following exemptions are available:

Veterans Exemption:  For a veteran 62 years of age or older and who served during an active wartime period.  A veteran who is receiving 100% disability from the VA would also qualify. 

A widow of a qualifying veteran may also apply for the exemption.  (Exemption amounts are $6,000 for Post WWI & $7,000 for WWI)

Blind Exemption:  This is for a person that is determined to be legally blind by his/her physician.  (Exemption amount is $4,000)

Maine Property Tax Refund Program:  Unlike above exemptions that are seen directly on your tax bill, this program allows you to apply to the State of Maine for a refund on property taxes that have been assessed.  The eligibility requirements are based on income and the amount of property taxes that have been assessed.  Applications are usually available beginning in August and you must apply by June 2, 2008.  (This program is also known as the Circuit Breaker Program).

Q. Why is the prior owner's name still on my tax bill?
A. The taxes are assessed to the owner of record as of April 1st.

Q. What period does the tax bill cover?
A. The tax bill covers July 1 through June 30th.  The tax bill is based on an assessment date of April 1st.

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