Exemptions and Tax Relief

Exemptions

If your Rockport residence is your permanent address you should file for a Homestead Exemption, if you have not already done so. The exemption reduces a property’s taxable value by $25,000 if we are able to certify at 100%. In 2021 this reduced tax bills by $421.99. We need to have your application by April 1, 2022.

Residents who served in the armed forces and were discharged in any manner other than dishonorable and are at least 62 years old or 100% disabled due to that service, may also be entitled to a Veteran Exemption. This will further reduce a property’s taxable value by $6,000. If both homeowners are veterans both may apply and the property value would be reduced by $12,000.

And finally, legally blind residents are eligible for an additional $4,000 reduction in value.

All exemptions must be applied for by April 1, 2022. Exemption applications are available at the Assessing Department section of the town’s website, or at the Town Office Building.

Tax Club

The Tax Club was established to help residents pay their tax bills by spreading the payments out over 12 months. Applications are available online and from the Town Clerk’s office.

Senior Tax Deferments

The Legislature has created a program, the State Property Tax Deferral Program, for senior citizens and residents whose documented disability renders them unable to work, that will defer tax payments until the property is no longer owned by the applicant. Once the property transfers, the state will be reimbursed for the amount of taxes deferred, plus interest.

To be eligible, participants’ annual income cannot exceed $40,000 and their liquid asset holdings cannot be greater than $50,000 for a single applicant or $75,000 for joint applicants. As long as the resident(s) remains eligible, they will not be responsible to pay a property tax bill.

Applications and eligibility details are available online www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs/deferral-program.  Applications must be submitted to the assessor’s office between January 1 and April 1 for the year in which the applicant is first requesting deferral.