Frequently Asked Questions on How to Apply for Maine's Homestead Tax Exemption........ Up to a $10,000 Per Year Tax Exemption.....

Homestead Exemption FAQs

1. What is the homestead exemption?

The homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $10,000 in the value of your home for property tax purposes. To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine, the home must be your permanent residence, you must have owned a home in Maine for the twelve months prior to applying and an application must be filed on or before April 1 with the municipality where the property is located. The exemption applies to any residential property that is assessed as real property. For instance, a mobile home located on a rented lot may qualify for the exemption. You can download the application at www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/apps/homesteadapp.pdf.
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2. Am I a permanent resident?

A permanent resident is an individual who has a true, fixed and permanent home to which the individual, whenever absent, has the intention of returning. You may have only one permanent residence at a time and, once a permanent residence is established, that residence is presumed to continue until circumstances indicate otherwise. For more information, see 36 M.R.S. § 682.
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3. How do I apply for the homestead exemption?

The homestead exemption application is available at most municipalities or you may download the application at www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/apps/homesteadapp.pdf. The completed application must be submitted to the municipality where you reside. If there is more than one owner, only one signature is required. Forms filed after April 1 of any year will apply to the next year’s tax assessment.
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4. Do I have to apply for the exemption each year?

No. Once the exemption has been approved, it will remain in effect as long as your ownership and residency status remains unchanged.
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5. Can I have more than one exemption?

No. The homestead exemption is limited to only your primary residence; camps, vacation homes and second residences do not qualify. If you also qualify for a veteran or blind exemption, the homestead exemption is in addition to those exemptions. Please visit our Property Tax Exemptions page for more information.
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6. Why is the exemption on my tax bill less than $10,000?

The $10,000 exemption must be adjusted by the local certified ratio. The local certified ratio is generally the percentage difference between the fair market value of your home and the local assessed value. Since your property taxes are based on the local assessed value, the $10,000 statewide exemption must be adjusted to apply to all property in the state equally. For example, if the local ratio in your town is 80%, your homestead exemption is computed in the following manner: $10,000 x .80 = $8,000. Your property value would be reduced by $8,000 by the homestead exemption. If you have further questions regarding the computation of your exemption, please contact your municipality or your local tax assessor. The homestead exemption cannot exceed the total value of your homestead; if the total value of your homestead is $9,300; your homestead exemption cannot exceed $9,300.
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7. What should I do if my application is rejected?

If the assessor determines that you are not entitled to the home exemption, the assessor shall provide a notice of denial that includes the reasons for denial. You may appeal the denial in writing to the local Board of Assessment Review or to the County Commissioners. Further guidance may be found in Property Tax Bulletin #10 and Title 36, §§ 843 and 844.

Today is New England Apple Day!! Head to Your Local Pick Your Own Farm this Weekend for a Wonderful Family Experience!!

September 2, 2015....

NEW ENGLAND APPLE DAY!

 

Today, Wednesday, September 2,  seems like the perfect choice to celebrate New England Apple day, as Lebanon children head back to school after a Summer of fun and freedom!

According to the Smithsonian Institute, apples became the symbol of favorite teachers many years ago when Frontier families were responsible for providing food and lodging for their town teachers. Students would bring apples to their teachers as a treat and a sign of appreciation for their services.

The apple has it's beginning in recorded history as a negative symbol in the story from Genesis in the Bible as the downfall of mankind when the serpent convinced Eve to try the "forbidden fruit", however American's now think of the apple as a national symbol, right up there with the bald eagle and baseball.

If you've never been out picking apples in a fall orchard, do yourself a favor, pack up your family, and head out for an enjoyable day in the fall sunshine. The sent and coolness of the orchard will help to fuel your natural harvest instincts, and baking pies, cobblers and crisps with your children is a great way to teach them the value of agriculture!

Many new and different varieties have been grown on New England Pick Your Own farms in the past few years. Right now the McIntosh, New England's favorite for pies, apple sauce and eating fresh are ripe and ready for the picking!!

 

We suggest you call ahead to your choice of Pick Your Own Orchards to find out what apple varieties are available for picking!!

 

Local orchards providing a

Pick Your Own experience include:

 

McDougal Orchards, 201 Hanson's Ridge Road in Springvale, ME.

Open daily 9 am - 5 pm daily. (207)-324-5054.

 

 

Pine View Orchard, 17 Sunset Lane, Berwick, ME

Open daily 10 am - 5 pm (207)-715-0365

 

Butternut Farm, 195 Meaderboro Road, Farmington, NH

open daily 8 am - 4 pm. (603)-335-4705

 

 

Obituary: Lorraine B. Malsbury, Rochester

Lorraine B. Malsbury
(August 9, 1946 - August 31, 2015) 

                      

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Rochester, NH: Lorraine B. Malsbury, 75, died Monday, August 31, 2015 at her home after a period of failing health. Lorraine was born in Rochester, NH on August 9, 1940, the daughter of Albert and Lauretta (Maxfield) Charette and was a lifelong resident of Rochester. Prior to her retirement she worked for General Electric in Somersworth, NH for many years. She was a communicant of Holy Rosary Church in Rochester, a member of the Happy Hearts Club, the Emblem Club, Rochester Senior Citizens, the K of C Auxiliary and the Dover Senior Citizens. She loved working in her garden, bingo, solving crossword puzzles, making jigsaw puzzles and watching her birds. Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, William M. Malsbury and by a son Eric Enman. Surviving members of the family include: two daughters, Candace R. Enman of Dover, NH and Doreen Call of Rochester, NH, a step-son, Bill Malsbury and his wife Karla of Dover, NH, one sister, Rachel Grenier of Milton, NH, one brother, Donald Charette of Lebanon, ME, four grandchildren, Dilan Call, Mackenzie Call, Kaitlyn Malsbury and Tyler Malsbury, and several nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a close niece, Karen Grenier. Lorraine wanted to thank the doctors and nurses at Frisbie Memorial Hospital and Cornerstone VNA for their care and support. Calling hours will be held at the H. J. Grondin & Son Funeral Home, 177 North Main Street, Rochester, NH on Friday, 09/04/2015, from 9:30 to 10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am on Friday at Holy Rosary Church In Rochester with burial in Holy Rosary Cemetery. To sign the on-line guest book, please visit www.GrondinFuneralHome.com.

Miss Maine Kelsey Earley in Finalist Running for Miss America Quality of Life Award!

Miss Maine Kelsey Early in New York City for the Miss America Pageant

(Courtesy Photo)

According to the mother of Miss Maine, Kelsey Earley, the Lebanon resident is in New York City, and will be returning to Atlantic City New Jersey as part of her trip to compete in the Miss America Contest and having the time of her life!!
Kelsey, who was crowned Miss Maine 2015, announced today that she is in the final running for the Quality of Life Award given by the Miss America Pageant.
The Quality of Life Award was the first special community service award offered to Miss America Pageants, with the first award given in 1989. No other contestant from Maine has ever been included in the finalists for this award.

Finalists in the Miss America Quality of Life Award contest.

Lebanon resident, Miss Maine Kelsey Earley, 2nd from the right wearing tan.

(Courtesy Photo)

 

Kelsey's community service project is entitled, "The Superhero in You". The project helps to create "superhero capes" which are presented to encourage and empower children who are overcoming health issues and literacy challenges.
Kelsey's Mom, Laura Earley, says that Miss Maine, Kelsey, has had lots of help from the Lebanon Girl Scout troops, and that soon, the Scouts will be gearing up to help create more of Kelsey's special Superhero capes! Laura also says that Kelsey is always looking for sewers interested in helping to create the capes, and would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering!
Any of the 52 Miss America Pageant contestants are eligible for this scholarship award, with the college dollars going to the top 3 contestants. "Applicants must excel in their commitment to enhancing the quality of life of others through volunteerism and community service," says the Miss America media page. "Special attention is also given to depth of service, project creativity, and significant effects on the lives of others."
Please be sure to tune in, September 13, 2015 beginning at 9 pm on your ABC channel and cheer along as Kelsey competes for the Miss America Title from Atlantic City, New Jersey!!