Tax Relief
Tax Relief Programs
Please see below for a list of currently available tax relief programs. Click on one of the available programs below to learn additional information.
- Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens (LD 290)
- Property Tax Assistance Program
- Maine Homestead Exemption
- Maine Veteran’s Exemption
- Blind Exemption
- Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption
- Maine Property Tax Deferral Program
Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens (LD 290)
Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens, also known as the Property Tax Stabilization Program is a new State program that allows certain senior residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead.
Applications will be accepted by the Town of Scarborough Assessing Office from August 8, 2022 through December 1, 2022. Applicants Must Have Photo ID upon submission of application.
An applicant must be at least 65 years old, a permanent resident of the State, and must have owned a Maine homestead for at least ten years. As long as the individual files an application each year, the tax is fixed at the amount assessed in the year prior to the initial application. Eligible residents may transfer the fixed tax amount to a new homestead, even between municipalities. The State will fully reimburse municipalities for lost revenue. Effective August 8, 2022. LD 290, PL 2021, c. 751.
An application and guidance documents for the new Property Tax Stabilization Program (LD290) have been posted to the Maine Revenue Service website at www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/
Property Tax Assistance Program
The Town of Scarborough offers its own property tax relief through our assistance program. The three eligibility requirements are:
- Applicant is age 62 or older as of the application deadline
- Applicant has been a Town resident for at least 10 years as of the application deadline.
- Applicant’s household has an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $50,000
To qualify, your annual property tax burden must exceed 5% of the household AGI. For mobile homes, we consider rent paid in addition to your tax burden. Applicants who qualify will receive up to $750 at the end of the year.
Applications for owners and renters are currently available and the application deadline is October 16, 2023.
Maine Homestead Exemption
The State of Maine offers a Homestead Exemption for property owners who claim their residence in Maine. You must have owned homestead property in Maine for 12 months. This is currently a $25,000 reduction to your taxable value. The actual impact on your tax bill depends on the mill rate.
If you have already applied for this program you do not need to apply again on the same property. If you have recently moved or sold your property, you must reapply for the exemption on your new home, even if you are moving within Scarborough. Applications must be submitted by April 1 in order to qualify for the next tax year. Applications received after April 1 will not be effective until the following tax year.
Homestead Property Tax Exemption (Title 36, M.R.S.A. Section 681)
Maine Veteran’s Exemption
The State of Maine offers a Veteran’s Exemption for property owners who meet one of the following criteria:
- Age 62 or older and served during a recognized war period
- Receives 100% disability from the VA
- Paraplegic Veterans
- Surviving spouse, minor child, or widowed parent of a Veteran
Applications must be submitted by April 1 in order to qualify for the next tax year. You must provide the Veteran’s DD 214 with the application. Applications received after April 1 will not be effective until the following tax year.
Veteran Property Tax Exemption Application
Veteran Property Tax Exemption Application (For Widowed Spouse, Minor Child, Widowed Parent)
(Title 36, M.R.S.A. Section 653)
Blind Exemption
The State of Maine offers a Blind Exemption to homeowners who are legally blind.
Applications must be submitted by April 1 in order to qualify for the next tax year. You must provide a letter from your doctor with the application. Applications received after April 1 will not be effective until the following tax year.
Blind Persons Property Tax Exemption Application
(Title 36, M.R.S.A. Section 654)
Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption
Effective April 1, 2022, the Town of Scarborough will begin taxing renewable energy equipment. This equipment can be exempt through the State of Maine Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption application.
Applications must be submitted by April 1 in order to qualify for the next tax year. Applications received after April 1 will not be effective until the following tax year.
Renewable Energy Exemption Application
(Title 36, M.R.S.A. Sect. 655/656)
Maine Property Tax Deferral Program
In 2021, the Maine Legislature reinstated this property tax deferral program to help seniors and the fully disabled stay in their homes and age in place. For qualified and approved applicants, the State of Maine will pay the property taxes each year. The state will place a lien on the property and all deferred taxes (and accrued interest) are repaid to the state when the property is sold or the applicant passes away.
To qualify:
- An owner of the property must be 65 years of age or have a permanent disability that prevents an individual from being employed.
- An applicant or applicants must be the deeded property owner and must be receiving a Homestead Exemption.
- Applicants must have an income of less than $40,000 and liquid assets of less than $50,000 (or $75,000 if a joint application).
- The property must have NO municipal liens for unpaid property taxes filed against it at the time of application.
- 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 the application and make the determination for acceptance and approval.
FAQ for Taxpayers - Maine.gov - State Property Tax Deferral Program
Application & Instructions - Maine Property Tax Deferral Program
Program Guide for Municipalities
Questions on this State managed program can be referred to Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Division, at 207-624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov. Kevin Boyle is the current contact person for the program and can be reached directly at kevin.c.boyle@maine.gov or 207-592-3816.