Maine Legislation Aims to Provide Property Tax Relief for Seniors Starting in 2027

Maine’s senior citizens may soon receive significant property tax relief thanks to a new bill aimed at reducing the financial burden on older residents. Sponsored by Senator Joseph Martin and cosponsored by House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, the proposed legislation seeks to provide seniors with a complete exemption from property taxes.

The rising cost of property taxes has become a serious concern for many seniors in Maine, making it difficult for them to stay in their homes. Under this new proposal, seniors who meet the age and residency requirements will no longer be burdened with property taxes starting in 2027. Rather than applying every year for an exemption, seniors will only need to submit a simple affidavit each year to confirm their continued eligibility.

To qualify for the exemption, seniors must be at least 65 years old or will turn 65 during the property tax year. They must also have lived in Maine for at least 10 consecutive years. The exemption applies to a primary residence, including up to one acre of land surrounding the home.

The proposal also includes a provision allowing for the transfer of the exemption in cases of joint ownership, as long as the new owner is eligible for the program. Municipalities that lose property tax revenue due to the exemption will be compensated by the state, ensuring that local governments aren’t financially impacted by the bill.

A key feature of the legislation is a review scheduled for 2030, which will evaluate the program’s success in helping seniors stay in their homes. This review will also consider whether the program is sustainable in the long term and if it can be expanded to help even more seniors.

The bill has received strong support from Senator Martin and Minority Leaders Faulkingham and Stewart, particularly from Senator Stewart, who has been a vocal advocate for senior citizens in Maine. His leadership has played a crucial role in highlighting the need for property tax relief for seniors.

This proposed legislation is an important step in ensuring that seniors in Maine are not forced to leave their homes due to rising property taxes. With support from key legislative leaders, this bill has the potential to make a lasting impact and provide seniors with the financial relief they need to stay in the communities they have called home for decades.