Senior Property Tax Program Supports 472 Residents

Since 2008, the Town of Scarborough has supported a locally-funded property tax relief program for seniors who meet certain eligibility requirements (age, residency, and income). This year, the Town Council adjusted eligibility requirements to help soften the unfortunate hardship resulting from the State’s decision to end the Property Tax Stabilization Program (often referred to by residents as the “Tax Freeze” Program). The Town Manager and Town Council included funding in the FY25 budget to increase the maximum benefit from up to $750 to $1,000. Additionally, the household Federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) income limit was raised from $50,000 to $60,000 to benefit a wider range of seniors in our community. The age and 10-year residency requirement remained unchanged. 

Program participation for FY25 yielded 472 eligible senior households (430 at the full $1,000 benefit amount, 42 with a partial benefit), totaling a fiscal note of $458,880. The Town Program was able to provide aid to 49 additional households compared to last year, largely due to this year’s expanded income eligibility limits.  

The FY25 budget appropriated $435,000 for the program. When combined with the remaining funds of $10,335 from the Program Fund, there was still a deficit of $13,525 to fully fund all eligible applicants to the maximum reimbursement they were entitled to receive. To account for this, the Town Council had the option to either reimburse a pro-rated share, approximately $970.00 (versus $1,000), or to make up the remaining deficit elsewhere so applicants would receive the full reimbursement. The Council voted unanimously at their November 6th meeting to use available funds from the FY25 Overlay Account to ensure that all reimbursements were maximized to provide the full benefit amounts to all participants. Rebate checks are anticipated to be mailed out by the end of November. 

To our knowledge, Scarborough’s local senior Property Tax Assistance Program, is by far and away, the most substantial program of this type in the State. Town Management and the Council are tremendously proud to continue providing this support to local residents who need it most.  

This program’s annual application process is administered by the Town’s Assessing department staff members. A huge thank you to Sue, Erika, and Marianne for their consistent dedication and exemplary customer service that help make this impactful program such a success each year.

Both homeowners and renters who contribute to property taxes through rent are able to apply for assistance. Visit the Assessing page on our website learn more about this program or call us at 730-4060. Applications are due by October 15th each year. Applications for the 2025 program will be available in May.