Tax and Rent Refund available

   Property Tax and Rent Refund – known also as the “Circuit Breaker” program – tax or rent rebates are now available for the 2007 tax year. The program provides refunds based on income and the number of people in a household.
   “Rebates are up to $2,000 for those who qualify,” said Mike Willette, state legislative candidate.
   “Maine’s Property Tax and Rent Refund Program was created to keep people faced with high property values in their homes,” said Willette. “Yet for years, fewer than half of those who qualify for the rebate have filed to receive it.”
   According to Willette, Maine residents who paid more than 4 percent of their 2007 income in property taxes may qualify for a rebate. Renters may qualify if they paid more than 20 percent of their income in rent.
   “The 2007 income of all household members is included, and rebates do not apply for singles making over $60,000 or families making over $80,000,” said Willette.
   For low-income seniors, the 4-percent and 20-percent limits are waived.
   “I strongly recommend that anyone concerned about their taxes take a look at this program to see if they qualify,” added Willette. “It is not a complete solution, but it addresses a major need here in Maine.”
    Willette also noted that a more comprehensive bipartisan tax relief package had been defeated by the present Maine Legislature in 2007.
   “The bill, LD 1925, was titled ‘An Act to Reduce Taxes by $140,000,000.’ It would have broadened the sales tax base, reduced the top marginal income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 6 percent, and increased property tax relief programs,” explained Willette.
   The bill, said Willette, had emerged from the Legislature’s Taxation Committee with the support of 12 of the 13 members, including all Republicans and all but one Democrat.
   “Once it reached the floor, however, the bill was voted on along largely partisan lines, with most Democrats remaining supportive and most Republicans voting in opposition,” said Willette.
   Willette said he’ll work hard, if elected, to make Maine an affordable place for all to live and work.
   “If elected, I pledge to work to make government efficient and to broaden the base, reduce income taxes for all Mainers and increase targeted property tax relief,” said Willette.
   “The 123rd Legislature made some tough spending choices and took good first steps,” he said, “but now is the time for a far more comprehensive approach.”
   To apply for the rebate, call Willette at 227-5989, e-mail him at mikeblackbear@gmail.com, pick up an application at your local town office or file online. The online application is available at www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief.
   “Additional tax reductions are available at the same Web site for veterans and their relatives, farmers, tree farmers, homeowners and many businesses,” said Willette.