A new state law that just took effect allows Maine seniors to freeze their property taxes. It is called Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens. It allows senior citizen residents to stabilize or freeze the property taxes on their homes. The bill, LD 290, SP 126 was presented by Senator Stewart of Aroostook and cosponsored by Representative Bickford of Auburn and Senator Pouliot of Kennebec. This law provides initial start-up funding for this year as the state will reimburse municipalities for lost revenue.
Maine seniors have until December 1 of this year, and each year after, to apply through their town office (Assessing Department). Applications are available at the Maine Revenue Services (MRS) website or from the municipal office. You can also call the Property Tax Division or MRS at (207) 624-5600 to have an application mailed to you. Those who qualify and are approved will have next year’s tax bill frozen at this year’s level, which has yet to be determined. Seniors who move will be allowed to transfer the fixed tax bill to their new property, even if it’s in a town with higher taxes.
To be eligible for this Program you must meet all the following requirements as of April 1 or the property tax year for which you are requesting stabilization. So, for applications due December 1, 2022, qualifications must be met as of April 1, 2023.
- At least 65 years old,
- A permanent resident of Maine,
- Have owned a Maine homestead for at least ten years, and
- Be eligible for a homestead exemption on the property you are placing in the Program.
Maine Revenue Service has a guide for applicants, The Property Tax Stabilization Program: A Guide for Applicants, online. You can find answers to most of your questions there or you can contact the Gorham assessor, Ben Thompson at assessor@cumberlandcounty.org or (207) 699-2475.
The Town of Gorham has just completed a town-wide revaluation. Taxpayers who qualify for this program will have their taxes frozen on this year’s tax amount. Since the new mil rate has not yet been determined it is not possible to estimate this year’s taxes.