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Applicants from 2006 will automatically receive new applications at the end of the month
July 28, 2008
AUGUSTA – Reps. Lisa Miller, D-Somerville, and Wendy Pieh, D-Bremen, would like their constituents to know that Property Tax and Rent Refund applications for taxes paid in 2007 are now available. Mainers who submitted a 2006 application will automatically be sent a 2007 application from Maine Revenue Services beginning July 28. Maine Revenue Services will begin accepting applications on a rolling basis on Aug. 1.
Maine homeowners and renters may be eligible for a refund of up to $2,000 through the program, which is commonly known as the “Circuit Breaker” program. The refund is available to homeowners and renters who meet the income requirements: families earning up to $80,000 are eligible, as well as individuals earning up to $60,000.
Low-income seniors are eligible for a separate refund program and may be rewarded a larger benefit. Maine Revenue Services will calculate the benefit for applicants, and senior claimants will receive the larger of either the Senior refund or the General refund.
“I have worked hard over the past few years to get people in my district the tax relief they deserve,” said Miller. “Some people think this is welfare -- it's not. It is designed to lower property taxes for those hardest hit.”
In order to qualify for a refund, 2007 property taxes must be more than four percent of household income, or the yearly rent paid must be more than 20 percent of household income.
“With the rising costs of local property taxes in our area, residents can really use immediate targeted relief,” said Pieh. “I encourage all Lincoln County residents who qualify to apply for the program.”
More than 200,000 people are eligible for the Circuit Breaker rebate, but many Maine homeowners and renters don’t apply and forfeit their rebates.
Applications are available on-line at Maine Revenue and can be printed out and mailed or submitted electronically. Applicants can also have a paper copy of the application sent to them by contacting Rep. Miller at 549-7171 or by e-mail at Rep. Miller or by contacting Rep. Pieh at 529-5747 or by e-mail at Rep. Pieh.
Contact:
Rep. Lisa Miller, 549-7171
Rep. Wendy Pieh, 529-5747
Ryan MacDonald, Senior Legislative Aide, 287-1430BR />
Travis Kennedy, Communications Director, 287-1433