Tax Relief

Homestead Exemption: A reduction of up to $25,000 in the taxable value of your property. Applicant is eligible for only one homestead exemption on primary residence, and must have owned the home for at least one year before the April 1 of the year the application takes effect. Application deadline: April 1 of each year.

Blind Persons Exemption: A reduction of up to $4,000 in the taxable value of your property. Requires a physician to certify applicant is legally blind. Application deadline: April 1 of each year.

Veteran's Exemption: A reduction of up to $6,000 in the taxable value of your property. Requires that the applicant to be age 62 or considered 100% disabled, and to have served during specific federally recognized war periods. Paraplegic veterans are entitled to a higher exemption account. Application deadline: April 1 of each year.

Veteran's Survivor Exemption: A reduction of up to $6,000 in the taxable value of your property. Requires the veteran to have served during specific federally recognized war periods. Additional information for surviving spouses, minor children and parents of veterans can be found in the Maine Revenue Services bulletin above. Application deadline: Generally April 1 of each year, although assessor may allow application at other times if within twelve months of the veteran's death. Survivors of paraplegic veterans are entitled to a higher exemption amount.

The Homestead, Blind, Veteran's and Veteran's Survivor exemptions all appear on your tax bill as reductions in the taxable valuation of your property. Generally, you need only apply once for these exemptions; they will automatically continue in future years. You need only reapply if your primary residence changes.

Property Tax Fairness Credit: An annual application is required to obtain the Property Tax Fairness Credit, a State of Maine program that reimburses property owners for a portion of property taxes paid. The Property Tax Fairness Credit (formerly the "Circuitbreaker" program) is obtained by filing an application as part of your annual Maine income tax return. Even if you generally do not have to file a Maine income tax return, you must use the tax return form to apply for the credit.

 If you do not generally file a Maine income tax form or would like assistance in completing the form to determine your eligibility for the Property Tax Fairness Credit, consider working with one of the free tax preparation programs in Bath. These IRS-certified volunteers are fully qualified to prepare and e-file most common federal and state tax returns. AARP's Tax-Aide program has volunteers at the Patten Free Library and the Bath Senior Center each year from February 1 to April 15. No appointment is needed and services are available to low and moderate income Bath residents of all ages. CA$H Maine also offers free tax preparation in the Mid-Coast area; call 321-8375 to make an appointment.

To obtain Maine income tax forms, including the PTFC schedule, or to file your Maine income tax forms online, visit Maine Revenue Services' web page.

Please contact our office if you have any additional questions on these programs.