Maine Property Tax Exemptions: Homestead, Senior and Veteran Relief

Maine Resident Homestead Property Tax Exemption: a homestead owned by a permanent Maine resident who has owned a homestead in Maine for the preceding 12 months is exempt on $10,000 of just value, plus an additional $15,000 of just value for tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2020. The assessor applies the exemption at the local assessment ratio. Starting with property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2027, these exemptions are discontinued and replaced by a new section (36 M.R.S. § 683-A) that exempts up to $25,000 of the just value of a homestead owned by the applicant for the preceding 12 months, multiplied by the assessor's certified assessment ratio.

File the application form and proof of entitlement with the local (municipal) assessor. Once granted, the owner keeps the exemption without reapplying unless the assessor finds the property no longer qualifies; the owner must notify the assessor promptly when ownership, use of the property or the owner's status changes.

The application must be filed on or before April 1 of the year on which the taxes are based.

Maine's homestead exemption has no separate senior amount, but the state Property Tax Fairness Credit (claimed through the Maine income tax return) is larger for people 65 or older: for tax year 2026 the benefit base is $4,000 for individuals 65 or older and the maximum credit is $2,000 (versus $1,500 under 65); on a joint return only one spouse must be 65 or older. Veterans age 62 or older who served in a recognized war period may qualify for the veterans' exemption (see veteran_exemption).

Through the April 1, 2026 tax year, Maine exempts up to $6,000 of just value for a resident veteran who served in a recognized war period (or received an expeditionary medal) and is age 62 or older or receives federal compensation for total disability; up to $7,000 for veterans of World War I or earlier; up to $6,000 for an unremarried surviving spouse, minor child or qualifying parent; and up to $50,000 for a specially adapted housing unit for a veteran who received a federal grant for it (or the unremarried surviving spouse). Apply in writing with proof by April 1 of the first year requested. For tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2027, these exemptions are discontinued and replaced by homestead add-ons: $5,000 (under 62, under 60% rating or no rating), $6,000 (62 or older), $7,000 (World War I or earlier service), and for VA ratings of 60% or more, up to $10,000 (60%), $20,000 (70%), $30,000 (80%), $40,000 (90%) or $50,000 (100%), or $50,000 with a specially adapted housing grant; unremarried surviving spouses, minor children or parents may receive what the veteran would have received.

Beginning with property tax years on or after April 1, 2027, a homestead of a legally blind owner is eligible for an additional exemption of up to $5,000 of just value. (Before then, legally blind persons have a separate exemption under 36 M.R.S. § 654-A.)

Property Tax Fairness Credit: a refundable credit claimed on the Maine income tax return for Maine residents who own or rent their home (rent counts at 15% of gross rent). The credit is the amount by which a benefit base exceeds 4% of income; for tax year 2026 the maximum is $1,500 under age 65 and $2,000 for 65 or older. A veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA may claim an additional credit equal to the standard credit (tax years 2023 and later). Separately, municipal officers may abate taxes on a primary residence for hardship or poverty on written application, within 3 years from commitment, with a written decision due within 30 days.

Ask the local assessors for an abatement by filing a written application stating the grounds within 185 days from commitment of the tax. The assessors may also abate on their own initiative within one year from commitment.

There is no statewide due date. Each municipality votes the date or dates when property taxes become due and payable and the date interest begins; the Treasurer of State sets the maximum interest rate on delinquent taxes.