LD290 Property Tax Stabilization for Seniors Repealed by State Legislature
LD290 Property Tax Stabilization for Seniors Repealed by State Legislature
The LD 290 “Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens” program, enacted in August 2022 was repealed by the Maine Legislature on July 6, 2023. The popularly regarded program had allowed Maine seniors 65 and older who owned a permanent residence for at least 10 years and were receiving (or eligible for) a homestead exemption, to freeze taxes at the previous year’s level regardless of income.
The repeal of this program means there will be no reapplication process and no need to follow up with the Assessing Office in your municipality in late August/early September, as previously communicated
Although the program has been repealed, your initial application will still be administered this year for the current Tax Commitment in July of 2023-FY24. As a result, approximately 175 eligible Wayne applicants will only be responsible for the "frozen" property tax bill amount for the 2023-FY24 billing cycle—this amount will be equal to the tax amount the owner was billed in 2022-FY23 unless their new billed amount would be lower, in which case they'd owe the lower of the two amounts. Per the law, the State will reimburse the Town for 100% of the difference between actual and frozen taxes.
**It is important to note that these are State programs and while the Town plays a role in the administration of them, the Town is not responsible for the policy objectives of these initiatives. Any questions or concerns owners have regarding this program should be directed to your legislative representative. To find your representative, please visit: https://legislature.maine.gov/senate/
WHAT NEXT FOR SENIORS…
To help lower-income seniors avoid higher property taxes and remain in their homes, two existing State programs are being expanded:
1. The Property Tax Fairness Credit, which currently allows eligible Mainers to take a $1,500 credit, has increased to $2,000; it also loosens limits on the program in a way that allows the benefits to remain constant for a Mainer whose spouse passes away. Note: This program is not administered by the Town of Wayne; to claim the credit, you must file Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC/STFC for the tax year during which the property tax or rent was paid. For help, call (207) 624-9784. For more info, visit:http://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/income-tax-credits/property-tax-fairness-credit
2. The State Property Tax Deferral Program, a lifeline loan program that covers the annual property tax bills of Maine seniors age 65 and older who cannot afford to pay them on their own, has been expanded. It doubles the income limit on that program to $80,000 and also raises asset limits. Taxes must be paid back when the home is sold or becomes part of an estate. Note: This program is administered by the State; however, applications must be filed with the Assessor's Office between January 1 and April 1 each year. Applications are forwarded to Maine Revenue Services who review and make the determination for acceptance and approval. Questions can be referred to Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Division, at (207) 624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov.For more information visit: http://www.maine.gov/revenue/sites/maine.gov.revenue/files/inline-files/DeferralApplicantGuide.pdf
OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Most homeowners whose principal residence is in Maine are entitled to a $25,000 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 the 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. Forms are available in the Assessor’s Office.
VETERANS EXEMPTION
Any person who was in active service in the armed forces of the United States during a federally recognized war campaign period and, if discharged or retired under honorable conditions, may be eligible for a partial exemption from taxes on their primary residence.
The Veteran must have reached age 62 or must be receiving a pension or compensation from the United States Government for total disability, either service or non-service connected.
RECOGNIZED WAR PERIODS:
World War I - April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918;
World War I - (service in Russia) - April 6, 1917, through March 31, 1920;
(Continued Veterans exemption recognized war periods)
World War II - December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946;
Korean Conflict - June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955;
Vietnam Era – February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975. For the period, February 28, 1961, through August 4, 1964, federal law restricts the definition of the Vietnam Era war period to relating only to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam.
Persian Gulf War – August 2, 1990, to the date that the U.S. Government recognizes as the end of the Persian Gulf War. This period also includes Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
OTHER RECOGNIZED SERVICE PERIODS
February 28, 1961, through August 4, 1964 (Maine property tax exemption applies to all veterans who served from February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975, regardless of where they served);
August 24, 1982, through July 31, 1984; and
December 20, 1989, through January 31, 1990.
Application forms can be obtained in the Assessor's Office and must be filed with military discharge documentation on or before April 1st of the year it will go into effect.
BLIND EXEMPTION
Residents of Tremont who are certified to be legally blind by their eye care professional are eligible for a partial exemption from taxes on their primary residence in the town.
Applications for the above programs can be picked up at the Assessor’s Office or downloaded at:
https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs/property-tax-exemptions