The Legislature has completed its work for the 2025-2026 term, and while there is much to report, there is one item I want to be sure our community knows about.
Recognizing that many Mainers are struggling with rising prices from tariffs and the ongoing Iran war, my colleagues and I passed legislation to return tax dollars directly to you. This will come in the form of $300 checks, which will be mailed to roughly 514,000 tax filers starting at the end of July.
In order to receive your check, you must be a full-time Maine resident and meet certain income requirements. To demonstrate eligibility, Mainers must file a 2025 state income tax return by Oct. 15, 2026. This is true even if you are not normally required to file a tax return.
If you have already filed your 2025 tax return, you should be all set. But I know that not everyone files a tax return, including many older Mainers on fixed incomes. The good news is that the process is simple for most Mainers in this situation.
You can file online at https://www.maine.gov/revenue/ or by mail using the forms found on that same page. If you are not required to file your taxes, you can use the abbreviated process on the form to claim the Property Tax Fairness Credit and Sales Tax Fairness Credit, which will be enough to qualify you for the $300 payment.
Maine Revenue Services (MRS) has a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions, which can be found at https://www.maine.gov/revenue/affordability. At that same website, you can look up the status of your refund. If you are having any trouble, MRS has a hotline you can call during regular business hours, and that number is 207-624-9924. You can also email them at Affordability.MRS@maine.gov.
Please feel welcome to reach out to me with any questions or concerns on this or any other matter at 207-930-0371 or Michael.Ray@legislature.maine.gov.
Mike Ray
Representing Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill and Searsmont