- REP. MEREDITH STRANG BURGESS REMINDS CONSTITUENTS -
OF DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR TAX RELIEF

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AUGUSTA, ME - State Rep. Meredith Strang Burgess (R-Cumberland) wants to alert area residents that the application period for Maine’s Property Tax and Rent Refund Program ends May 31 for taxes and rent paid during 2008. Under this program, commonly known as the “circuit breaker,” Mainers who qualify are eligible for refunds of up to $1,600. It is the state government’s primary program to provide property tax relief.

Under the guidelines, you may qualify for a refund if you do not have a spouse or dependents and your 2008 income was $61,400 or less. If you have a spouse or dependents, you could have made up to $81,850 in 2008 and still qualify. Also, to receive a refund, your 2008 property tax must have exceeded four percent of your income. It is important to remember that this is tax relief to which you are entitled, not welfare.

Renters qualify if the rent they paid in 2008 exceeded twenty percent of their income. Seniors do not need to meet this property tax or rent requirement if their household income was below $13,900 for those living alone or below $17,200 for those living with a spouse or dependent.

The application is available online through the Maine Revenue Services (MRS) website at http://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief/homepage.html. In addition to a copy of the paper application, which you may print out and mail to MRS, you will find a link to the online application site. Online applications are easier for you, as they automatically perform all necessary calculations; and they cost less to process.

 

 

Rep. Strang Burgess is a second-term legislator representing House District 108, which includes Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Long Island and part of North Yarmouth.