By Rep. Parnell Terry
While it might not always feel like it outside, Spring is officially here – and that means that the tax filing deadline of April 15 is just right around the corner. While I don’t think anyone enjoys doing their taxes, I want to highlight a measure that the Legislature has passed recently to put money back into the pockets of working Mainers, along with some existing tax credits and filing resources that could hopefully make this year a bit less painful.
Last year, one of the biggest changes the Legislature made was doubling Maine’s Child Tax Credit to $610 per child for children under six, for families earning under $150,000 per year. This will return more money directly back to Gorham families with young kids to help pay for things like groceries, bills and other essentials, which are all getting more expensive. To claim the credit, complete the 2025 Dependent Exemption Tax Credit Worksheet along with your state tax return.
Whether you owe Maine income tax or not – like older folks living on Social Security income – I encourage you to fill out a Form 1040ME to see if you are eligible for additional tax relief, like the Property Tax Fairness Credit and the Sales Tax Fairness Credit. If the credit exceeds the amount of individual income tax due for this tax year, the excess amount of credit will be refunded to you. I was proud to support funding for these credits in the two-year budget the Legislature passed in 2025.
Another program that helps offer property tax relief is the Homestead Exemption, which requires its own application and has a deadline of April 1. The Homestead Exemption provides a reduction of up to $25,000 in the value of your home for property tax purposes. In order to qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine, the home must be your permanent residence, and you must have owned a home in Maine for the 12 months prior to applying. To submit an application or have your questions answered, I encourage you to stop by the Gorham Town Office.
As you prepare to file your taxes this year, I hope you keep an eye out for these programs and many others that are available that can help make a significant difference for your family. For more information, visit www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs.
There are also local, free tax preparation resources available to help you file your taxes, access these tax credits and put money back in your pocket. I encourage you to make an appointment as soon as possible, as availability may be limited.
CA$H Maine is a collaboration of organizations across the state that provides tax preparation for those who meet the income requirements. Closest to Gorham is CA$H Greater Portland at 550 Forest Avenue, Suite 100 in Portland. Make an appointment at www.uwsme.org/tax-appointment or by calling (207) 347-2335. For online options, you can also visit www.getyourrefund.org/en to get virtual CA$H Maine assistance e-filing your taxes or utilize https://myfreetaxes.com/ to file your own taxes online.
Additionally, AARP provides free tax filing assistance to income-eligible Mainers through their AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. The service is open to taxpayers of all ages, and AARP membership is not required. To make an appointment at Tax-Aide’s Gorham location at St. Annes Church on 299 Main Street, call (207) 518-8579. AARP also has online resources for self- and assisted online filing at www.taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/online-self-and-assisted-prep.
The Internal Revenue Service tax assistance office also provides free tax filing support at 440 Western Avenue in South Portland. To schedule an appointment, please call (844) 545-5640.
If you have any questions or concerns about available state programs and tax credits, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Parnell.Terry@legislature.maine.gov. It is an honor to serve as your state representative.
Rep. Terry is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents part of Gorham. Terry is a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.