Senior, Veteran and Disability Property Tax Relief in Maine

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.