Save Hundreds on your Property Taxes!

Unlock the benefits of the Maine Homestead Exemption and save $100's of dollars each year by reducing what you pay in property taxes.

What is the Maine Homestead Exemption?

The Homestead Exemption is a property tax relief program in Maine, reducing your primary residence's taxable value by $25,000. If you're eligible, the first $25,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from property taxes, saving you hundreds of dollars annually.

How Do I Qualify?

To qualify for Maine's Homestead Exemption, you must meet the following criteria:

01

Maine Resident

To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine. A permanent resident is someone who has a genuine, unchanging, and lasting home they plan to return to whenever they're away. You can only have one permanent residence at a time.

02

Property Type

Only your primary residence is eligible for the homestead exemption, while vacation homes, camps, and second residences are not eligible.

03

Time Requirement

Own and occupy the property as your primary residence for at least 12 months before April 1st of the tax year you're applying for.

No, once approved, the exemption will continue to be in effect as long as there are no changes in your ownership or residency status.

No, in case you are eligible for a veteran or blind exemption, the homestead exemption can be applied in addition to those exemptions, reducing your property tax further.

Visit the Maine Property Tax Exemption web page for more information.

Yes, the $25,000 exemption is subject to adjustment based on the local certified ratio, which is the percentage difference between your home's fair market value and local assessed value. Since property taxes are based on the latter, the $25,000 exemption must be adjusted to apply equally to all properties in the state. For instance, if the local certified ratio in your town is 80%, your homestead exemption is calculated as follows: $25,000 x .80 = $20,000, and your property value would decrease by $20,000. To learn more about your exemption's calculation, contact your municipality or local tax assessor. Note that the homestead exemption cannot exceed your homestead's total value.

Yes, upon determining that you are ineligible for a homestead exemption, your local assessor will notify you and provide reasons for the denial. You can dispute the decision in writing by submitting an appeal to either the local Board of Assessment Review or the County Commissioners.

Savings Vary By Town

How much you can save will vary based on your municipality's tax rate. I saved almost $400 a year on my property taxes!

Estimated Tax Rates

What happens when I move within Maine?

You may not need to reapply for the Homestead Exemption in Maine if you move to a new primary residence within the state, even if you've been there for less than a year.

Simply contact the tax assessor at the town hall of your previous residence to transfer the exemption to your new home, regardless if it is within the same municipality.

For those living in an unorganized territory, please contact the State of Maine property tax division at 207-624-5600.

Download the Form

Visit the Maine.gov website or click the link below to download the Homestead Exemption form. Follow the instructions on the second page and start saving money on your property taxes for next year!

Download Homestead Exemption Form

Thinking of Selling?

No need to meet the April 1st deadline if you plan on selling your home this year. If you would like a full evaluation of your home, then reach out to us. (207) 477-7344. Or use our quick online valuation tool!

Home Valuation

Porchlight Reviews

Client Stories That Shine

Built on listening and carried by care, because your story matters, that's the Porchlight difference. But don't take it from us!

"I couldn’t be happier with the expertise and attention Brandon provided in the selling of our old house and in the purchasing of our new one ! He was always quick to respond and very knowledgeable."

"I felt very confident relying on Brandon’s expertise when evaluating houses and his guidance during the offer process made everything less stressful. He was responsive and thorough with my questions throughout the entire process."

"Christyn was really easy to work with. She was professional, positive and communicated well throughout the process. The coordination between her & Jessica was seamless and they went out of their way to be sure that I felt confident in the process and my purchase."

"Buying or selling a home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and emotional. That’s exactly why having the right realtor matters. Porchlight Home Group is the team that can guide you through it all. Brandon Elsemore is not just a good realtor. He’s an exceptional one. As we prepared to sell our home, … we were like many others: juggling work, packing up years of memories, deciding on pricing, planning our next move, and saying goodbye to a town and neighborhood we truly loved. It was a lot to manage, but Brandon kept us focused and moving forward every step of the way. What stood out most was his process. Nothing felt rushed or based on guesswork. From pricing our home to preparing it for the market, every recommendation was backed by data, experience, and a clear understanding of current market trends. He helped us set realistic expectations while always advocating for the best possible outcome. One example that really stood out was our downstairs bathroom. It had an unfinished alcove that had originally had a stackable washer and dryer. Since we never used it that way, it had simply become the place where our three boys tossed dirty laundry and all the random things that come with raising kids. Brandon immediately saw something we didn’t. He suggested spending just a little time and money to add a few shelves, paint the space, and finish it so it looked like an intentional part of the bathroom instead of an empty utility nook. It was a simple project that I was able to do myself, but it completely changed the feel of the room. The bathroom looked larger, more finished, and far more inviting. That was Brandon throughout the entire process. He has an eye for seeing a home the way buyers will see it, and his recommendations were practical, affordable, and made a real difference. Just as importantly, Brandon was incredibly responsive. Whether we had a major question about the selling process or something as small as whether we should leave that weird shelf with the house, he was always available with thoughtful, practical advice. He took the time to explain each step, which made an otherwise stressful process feel much more manageable. Brandon combines professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for his clients in a way that’s hard to find. His steady guidance and confidence gave us peace of mind from the day we listed our home until the day we closed. We couldn’t be happier with our decision and highly recommend Brandon and Porchlight Home Group to anyone buying or selling a home. Thank you, Brandon, for everything you did to help us through this journey."

"If you want a powerhouse team for real estate, you should hire the Porchlight Home Group. I work alongside a lot of real estate professionals and I can confidently say that no matter who you work with on this team - Brandon, Cat, or Christyn, you are getting an incredible professional. Their communication, their market know…

"Brandon supported us throughout the entire process of our new home purchase in York, with a high level of professionalism and a super friendly attitude. We highly recommend working with Brandon to buy or sell a home in the Seacoast area."

"Brandon was wonderful to work with! As first time homebuyers, my fiancee and I had a lot of questions and he was super patient and walked us through things we didn't even know to ask. He also had a great eye when we would tour properties, always pointing out things that we should keep in mind about the place. He responded t…

"Words can’t describe how it smooth and seamless the entire process was with Brandon, within less then a week we not only found a house we loved but Were able to put an offer in swift and seamlessly. Me and my husband, both appreciate all the work he did and making Our dreams of becoming home Owners become possible, Definite…

"Just closed on our Maine lake house. Brandon was fantastic. Excellent communication and always made time for us. Gave us his full attention and helped brainstorm different strategies. Felt more like a partnership than just someone to show us properties. Brandon focused on what was best for us as buyers, gave honest opinions…

"Brandon is top notch! This is my 5th real estate transaction and Brandon is the best realtor I’ve ever worked with. His communication was excellent throughout the whole process. He is extremely knowledgeable and provided us options every step of the way. There were complexities with our transaction and he helped us to navig…

The information on this page has been taken from the Maine.gov website. This webpage may not contain all updated information on the Homestead Exemption and we advise you to speak with the state of Maine Property Tax Division at 207-624-5600 or your local tax assessor for the most current information.