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

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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.