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Maine · How-To Guide

How do I pay my property taxes?

Municipal Tax Collector (town or city level - each of Maine's ~490 municipalities)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Locate your tax bill: Maine property tax bills are mailed by your municipal Tax Collector after the annual commitment (typically September-November each year, depending on the municipality's fiscal year)
  2. Review your bill for the correct amount, parcel/map number, and due dates - Maine municipal tax due dates vary significantly since each municipality sets its own
  3. Choose your payment method: in person at the Town Office or City Hall Tax Collector's window, by mail, or online through your municipality's payment portal
  4. Pay by your municipality's due date - typically either:
  5. SINGLE PAYMENT: Due in full on a set date (varies by town - often October-November for a September commitment)
  6. TWO INSTALLMENTS: Many municipalities split into two payments (e.g., November 15 and May 15; or other combinations); tax year typically runs July 1-June 30
  7. Retain receipt; if taxes remain unpaid, interest accrues and eventually a tax lien may be placed on the property
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Property tax bill or parcel number
  • Payment (cash, check, money order, or card - varies by municipality)
Online Option
Many Maine municipalities offer online payment; check your town's website or call Town Office; also available through some state portals
Where to Go
Town Office or City Hall Tax Collector's window (varies by municipality - NOT a county office)
Maine Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Maine property taxes are ENTIRELY MUNICIPAL - no county property tax and no state property tax.
  • Assessment date: April 1 statewide; the commitment date (when bills issue) varies by town.
  • Mill rate (tax rate) set by municipal budget process after April 1 assessment.
  • HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Maine offers a $25,000 property tax exemption for the just value of a primary residence for Maine residents who have lived in the home as their primary residence on April 1 of the tax year; apply with your local assessor by April 1
  • TREE GROWTH, FARMLAND, OPEN SPACE, WORKING WATERFRONT: Maine's current use taxation programs significantly reduce taxes on qualifying land - apply with local assessor
  • PROPERTY TAX FAIRNESS CREDIT: Maine offers an income-based property tax credit through the state income tax return (Schedule PTFC) for residents who pay more than 4-8% of income in property taxes (depending on income level); available to homeowners and renters
  • SENIOR DEFERRAL PROGRAM: Qualifying seniors may defer property tax payments until sale of property; contact Maine Revenue Services
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Division - maine.gov/revenue/taxes/property-tax | (207) 624-5600; Municipal Tax Collector (varies by municipality)