LD290 "Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens" Repealed by State Legislature

The LD 290 “Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens” program, enacted in August 2022 was repealed by the Maine Legislature on July 6, 2023, with an effective date of October 11, 2023. The popularly regarded program had allowed Maine seniors 65 and older who owned a permanent residence for at least 10 years and were receiving (or eligible for) a homestead exemption, to freeze taxes at the previous year’s level regardless of income.

The repeal of this program means there will be no reapplication process and no need to follow-up with the Assessing Department in late August/early September, as previously thought. Although the program has been repealed, your initial application will still be administered this year for the upcoming Tax Commitment in August 2023.  As a result, approximately 330 eligible South Berwick applicants will only be responsible for the "frozen" property tax bill amount for the 2023-2024 billing cycle—this amount will be equal to the tax amount the owner was billed in 2022-2023, unless their new billed amount would be lower, in which case they'd owe the lower of the two amounts.  Per the law, the State will reimburse the Town for 100% of the difference between actual and frozen taxes.

It is important to note that these are State programs and while the Town plays a role in the administration of them, the Town is not responsible for the policy objectives of these initiatives. Any questions or concerns owners have regarding the repeal of this program should be directed to your legislative representative.

Sen. Mark Lawrence (D-York) | Maine State Legislature
Tiffany Roberts - Maine House of Representatives   
Michele Meyer - Maine House of Representatives

                                         Please visit the Assessing Page for information on two existing programs to assist Seniors that have been expanded.