Property Tax and Rent Refund Program updated by lawmakers

    AUGUSTA — Maine homeowners and renters should make sure to take advantage of Maine’s “circuit breaker” program, which provides relief to help residents pay their property taxes. Qualified residents who fail to apply for relief are forfeiting refunds worth up to $2,000, according to State Reps. Bernard Ayotte (R-Caswell), Tyler Clark (R-Easton) and Peter Edgecomb (R-Caribou).     The state’s primary tax relief program is the Property Tax and Rent Refund Program, commonly known as the “circuit breaker,” run by Maine Revenue Services (MRS). The first day for filing applications for refunds on property taxes paid in 2008 was August 1. Under the guidelines, individuals may qualify for a refund if they do not have a spouse or dependents and their 2008 income was $61,400 or less. Residents who do have  a spouse and dependents, could have made up to $81,850 in 2008 and still qualify.
    To receive a refund, a 2008 property tax must have exceeded 4 percent of an income. Renters qualify if the rent they paid in 2008 exceeded 20 percent of their income. Seniors do not have to meet these requirements when their household income is below $13,900 for those living alone or below $17,200 for those living with a spouse or dependent.
    Applications for 2008 property tax refunds became available on August 1. MRS generally sends applications to anyone who filed in the previous year.  Applications will also be available at town offices, libraries, post offices and Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Program offices.
     Applications may be requested from MRS by calling 207-624-7894.