Spring is just around the corner, and in the world of assessing, the ever-important date of April 1 makes it timely to share the vital information residents and especially taxpayers need to be aware of.
As assessors, we are required by law to maintain complete and accurate records of all land, buildings, and personal property within the city. April 1 is the day all property ownership and valuations are “fixed” for the tax year. This date is set by the Maine Legislature and is part of Title 36 MRSA § 502.
Deeds presented to the assessing office up to and on April 1 will determine to whom tax bills will be delivered at commitment time, which usually is July through September.
For properties bought or sold after April 1, we strongly recommend discussion between seller and buyer, or their agents, as to how the tax obligation for the year will be disposed of.
Exemption applications for homestead, veteran, blind, renewable energy systems, tree growth, open space, farmland, and tax deferral programs must also be submitted by April 1 each year.
The homestead exemption is available to property owners who have their primary residence in the state of Maine and have owned the residence for 12 months since the preceding April 1. There is no age requirement, and the exemption is currently for a $25,000 reduction of assessed value, or approximately a $550 reduction in tax on the qualified property.
Veterans who have reached age 62 or who receive disability compensation as veterans have an exemption available of $6,000 of assessed value, which can be applied to any one property they own, residence or not. This is a reduction of approximately $132 from the annual tax bill.
People who are legally blind are eligible for a $4,000 reduction in assessed value on their place of residence. Ownership of the property is not required for eligibility for this exemption. The associated tax savings are approximately $88 per year.
The property tax deferral program is available through the state for owners of property who have reached age 65 or receive disability compensation. This program utilizes state funds to pay the homeowners’ property tax until there is a change in ownership. Liens are attached to the property for the recovery of the tax paid plus interest once the ownership changes.
Through the assessing department, the city has maintained property assessments at or near true market value, which ensures the residents receive the full benefit allowed through these exemption programs. Our certified ratio continues to remain within the acceptable range of 91% to 100% due to the annual market analysis and value changes as deemed necessary.
Questions regarding all property tax programs can be directed to the assessing department or researched on the Maine Revenue website: maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs/property-tax-exemptions.
As always, your municipal assessors are available to answer questions, review assessments and provide guidance and support to all taxpayers and residents of the city.
You can also access all property assessment records and property maps on the City GIS System. https://presqueislemaine.gov/departments/assessing.php.
Lewis Cousins is Presque Isle’s assessor. He can be reached at 760-2714 or via email at lcousins@presqueisleme.us.
