For an estimate of the value of BETE and other key tax incentive programs for your business, click here.
Maine has two programs targeted specifically at helping new and established businesses to invest for growth by allowing them to recoup local property taxes paid on eligible business equipment and property.
The Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) program eliminates the personal property tax on eligible business equipment that is first subject to assessment on or after April 1, 2007. BETE has largely replaced BETR and helps businesses avoid paying assessed taxes up front, rather than waiting and filing for a reimbursement, with no time limit to the exemption.
The Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program is for equipment and property acquired between April 1, 1995 and March 31, 2007. The reimbursement rate is 100% for the first twelve years and falls incrementally to 50% at year 18 and all subsequent years. This program is no longer in effect for new property and equipment acquired, but ongoing participants can find more information and forms here.
Both of these programs are administered through Maine Revenue Services.
Business Equipment Tax Exemption ("BETE") Program
The BETE program is a 100% property tax exemption program for eligible property that would have been first subject to tax in Maine on or after 4/1/08. BETE does not replace the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement program (see below). The BETR program remains in place for qualified property placed in service after April 1, 1995 and on or before April 1, 2007 and for retail property placed in service after April 1, 1995.
- BETE Application (PDF)
- BETE: Retail Equipment Guidance (we are updating this document)
- BETE/BETR TUTORIAL (we are updating this document)
- BETE Guidance Document (PDF)
- Notice of Change in Eligibility for Certain Property in the BETE Program (PDF), February, 2018
- BETE Law (see subchapter 4-C)
Contact Information:
Maine Revenue Services
Property Tax Division
P.O. Box 9106
Augusta, ME 04332
Email: prop.tax@maine.gov
Phone: 207-624-5600
Fax: 207-287-6396
Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement ("BETR") Program
The BETR program is designed to encourage capital investment in Maine. The program reimburses taxpayers for local property taxes paid on most qualified business property. To qualify, qualified business property must have been first placed in service in Maine after April 1, 1995. The application period for refunds of property tax paid during 2016 has ended. The application period for refunds of property tax paid during 2017 will begin August 1, 2018.
Application Booklet Consolidated Schedule spreadsheet. Excel format requires either Microsoft Excel 2010 or the free Excel Viewer to view.
- Certification of Business with a Past Due Personal Property Tax (PDF)
- Sample Notification Letter from Municipality to Business (PDF)
- Form 2848-ME - Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (PDF)
- BETR Law
Contact Information:
Maine Revenue Services
Property Tax Division
P.O. Box 9106
Augusta, ME 04332
Email: prop.tax@maine.gov
Phone: 207-624-9404
Fax: 207-287-6396