Real Estate Taxes
Taxes are based on the assessed value of land and buildings. The Town's Tax Assessor does the assessment. If you have questions about the value of your property, please contact the Assessor at 207-737-4305.
The tax rate is set annually around September 1st based on the assessment as of April 1st of that year and tax bills are sent to the owner of record as of April 1st.
The tax year is July 1st through June 30th. Taxes are payable on November 10th (1st half) and May 10th (2nd half). The November payment is for July 1st through December 31st and the May payment is for January 1st through June 30th.
Tax liens for non-payment are placed in mid-July following the September commitment date. Tax liens mature 18 months later resulting in automatic foreclosure by State law. Tax liens may affect your credit rating.
The Town accepts partial payments on taxes at any time with one exception, that exception is foreclosures. (December - February) At that time, payments on current taxes must be made in full. In addition, payments during that time must be cash, money orders or bank checks only on foreclosures.
Throughout the rest of the year, the Town encourages taxpayers to make partial payments if it is helpful to them.
Interest accrues on a daily basis on past due taxes. When payments are made, they are applied to lien charges (if any) first, then to interest due, and then to taxes (oldest outstanding taxes first).
Personal Property Taxes
These taxes are based on the assessed value of business equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. The Town's Assessor does the assessment. If you have any questions about the value of your equipment/property, please contact the Assessor at 207-737-4305.
Taxes are committed annually around September 1st based on the assessment as of April 1st and are sent to the owner of record as of April 1st. The tax year and payment dates are the same as real estate taxes.
Mobile Homes
Taxes on mobile homes are treated the same as real estate. The only exception is when a mobile home is being moved out of town. When that happens, State Law requires that ALL taxes must be paid in full, including the current year even if they have not been committed or billed. In order for the home to be moved, the owner must get a signed release from the tax collector stating that all taxes are paid.
Tax Rebates/Reduction
Tax Relief is provided to eligible taxpayers through the "Maine Residents Property Tax Program" and “Rent Refund Program.”
Both property owners and renters are entitled to a rebate if their taxes or rent exceeds a certain proportion of their income. Forms are available at the Town Office around August 1st and must be sent to Augusta by December 31st.
All exemption applications need to be filed by April 1st.
For applications visit: www.state.me.us/revenue/propertytax/