HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Most homeowners whose principal residence is in Maine are entitled to up to a $13,000 reduction in taxable valuation (adjusted by the community’s ratio of valuation to actual market sales).
Last year, this resulted in an annual tax reduction for Westbrook homeowners of approximately $180. To qualify, homeowners must fill out a simple form declaring property as their principal residence by April 1 in the tax year claimed. Once the application is filed, the exemption remains until the owner sells or changes their place of residence.
Forms are available in the Assessor’s Office, or can be downloaded online from the city’s Web site on the Assessor’s page.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Despite significant advertising and community outreach, many homeowners and renters are still unfamiliar with the circuit- breaker program. For example, in 2004, is estimated that less than half of eligible taxpayers took advantage of this program.
For those taxpayers who qualify based on their income and their tax bill or rent, the state will make a partial reimbursement of taxes or rent paid. The deadline for filing the current program (taxes assessed as of April 1, 2005, and income earned in 2005) is May 31, 2007. In addition, the income guidelines for the program have been expanded greatly to include many more households, so if you were previously denied, it may benefit you to apply again. For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office.
VETERANS EXEMPTION
Any person who was in active service in the armed forces of the United States during a federally recognized war campaign period and, if discharged or retired under honorable conditions, may be eligible for a partial exemption from taxes on the primary residence.
The veteran must have reached age 62 or must be receiving a pension or compensation from the U.S. government for total disability.
Applications forms can be obtained in the Assessor’s Office and must be filed with military discharge documentation on or before April 1 of the year it will go into effect.
BLIND EXEMPTION
Residents of Westbrook certified legally blind by their eye-care professional are eligible for a partial exemption from taxes on their primary residence in the city.
The Assessor’s Office welcomes all taxpayers to visit or call with any questions pertaining to real estate assessments, or further information on any of the assistance programs.
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