Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program Applications Available Soon

Letter to the Editor,

July 18, 2012


On Aug. 1 refunds of up to $1,600 will become available for property taxes or rent paid in 2011. The state refund program, called “Circuit Breaker,” provides middle and low-income Maine residents with a partial refund of local property taxes and/or rent paid on their primary residence.

This is an excellent program for middle and low-income Maine people and families. Democrats in Augusta are working to put more money in the pockets of working Maine people to help pay for gas, food and other critical needs.

To qualify, an applicant's 2011 adjusted household income must be $64,950 or less ($86,600 for those with spouse or dependents). In addition, an applicant's 2011 property tax must have been more than 4 percent (or rent more than 20 percent) of their 2011 household income. Low-income seniors do not need to meet this requirement.

Nearly 200,000 Maine households may qualify for a partial refund of local property tax assessed and/or rent they paid in 2011, according to Maine Revenue Services.

The application will soon be available online at: Maine Revenue Services. Call Maine Revenue Services at (207) 626-8475 for additional information.

Thank you,
Rep. Bobbi Beavers