Department THE 2009 TAX COMMITMENT BOOK is attached.
Real estate taxes are due September 30th of each tax year. The tax bills are normally mailed in late July. Partial tax payments (including pre-payments) may be made at any time during the tax year. Any payments are automatically applied to the oldest tax due. Benton's tax year is January 1 to December 31. As is the case with all other municipalies in Maine, tax bills are issued to the owner of record as of April 1st of the current tax year. The current (2008) mill rate is 11.0 at 88%. The 2009 mill rate will be set in (late) July 2009. Delinquent real estate taxes go to lien, usually in May of the following year; e.g., delinquent 2008 taxes that were due 9/30/08 went to lien on 5/19/09. The Benton Town Office staff can answer most inquiries regarding taxes owed for the current and past tax years. For information and forms related to Farmland, Tree Growth, BETE (Business Equipment Tax Exemption) and more, visit: http://www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/appsformspubs.htm HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION. Residents who have owned and lived in their homes for more than 12 months are eligible for a Homestead Exemption which reduces the tax amount due each year. Applications (with instructions) are available at the Town Office or at the following website: http://www.maine.gov/REVENUE/forms/property/appsformspubs.htm Applications remain on file and the exemptions are applied each tax year. If a resident moves to another Maine municipality, then the resident must re-apply in that municipality. VETERANS EXEMPTION. Many veterans are eligible for a Veterans' Exemption which reduces the tax amount each year. In general, the exemption applies to veterans who "served during a recognized war period" and have reached the age of 62. Applicants must provide a copy of their discharge papers (i.e., DD-214) when applying. Certain disabled veterans are eligible as well. Applications (with instructions and eligibility requirements) are available at the Town Office or at the following website: http://www.maine.gov/REVENUE/forms/property/appsformspubs.htm
BUILDING AND LAND VALUES. For assessed building and land values, link to the below document. ZONING. Benton has Shoreland Zoning as well as local zoning for properties that are in rural, industrial and residential zones. For general information about Shoreland Zoning, visit: http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docstand/szpage.htm . Any questions should be referred to the CEO. Related Documents: Assessed billing values (XLS) 797184k Benton Zoning Districts (PDF) 873823k Tax Maps 21 to 24 (PDF) 1344372k Tax Maps 17 to 20 (PDF) 971545k Tax Maps 13 to 16 (PDF) 1543501k Tax Maps 9 to 12 (PDF) 1502322k Tax Maps 5 to 8 (PDF) 2368515k Tax Maps 1 to 4 (PDF) 2395248k Tax Map Index (PDF) 648250k Commitment Book 2009 (RTF) 799104k |
