Property Tax Stabilization Program for 65+

Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens, also known as the Property Tax Stabilization Program (the “Program”), is a State program that allows certain senior-citizen residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead.  As long as you qualify and file a timely application each year, the tax billed to you for your homestead will be frozen at the amount you were billed in the prior tax year. Eligible residents who move may transfer the fixed tax amount to a new homestead, even if that new homestead is in a different Maine municipality. 

Stabilization Application - The first filing deadline for stabilization was December 1, 2022.  Next year's application will be in August, 2023. We are waiting on guidance from Maine Revenue Service if there will be changes to the form for yearly re-application. Check back for updates!

Stabilization Guidance for Applicants 

LD 290 Legislative Document

Homestead Exemption

This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least 12 months and make the property they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of up to $25,000. Applications are available online and in the Assessor's Office. 

Veteran's Exemption - (Title 36, M.R.S.A. Section 653)

A property owner may be eligible for a reduction in the valuation of their property if they: Own a residence in Kennebunk on April 1 of the tax year in question; Are a veteran who is not dishonorably discharged; Served during a recognized war period in the U.S. Armed Forces; Are over 62 or are an unremarried widow/widower of a qualifying veteran. If the veteran is under 62 but is 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability, he/she might likewise qualify. In any case the veteran must fill out a form and provide proof of service and discharge, such as a copy of their DD214 form. For veterans who served during World War II or later, the exemption is $6000, beginning April 1, 2008. For veterans serving prior, the exemption is up to $7,000. Paraplegic veterans may receive an exemption of up to $47,500 for a specially adapted housing unit. Applications for these exemptions are available in the Tax Assessor's Office or on the State's website.

Blind Exemption - (Title 36, M.R.S.A. Section 654)

The residential real estate of residents who are legally blind as determined by the Department of Education Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired may be exempt up to $4,000. Applications for this exemption are available in the Assessor's Office or on the State's website.

Tax Preparation Assistance

CA$H Maine offers free tax preparation to qualified filers during the tax season, and connects residents to financial education resources, including money management and homebuying workshops, Family Development Accounts (FDAs) and credit counseling.

CA$H Maine will prepare your taxes for free! Visit any CA$H Maine tax site to have your state and federal income taxes prepared and filed for free by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers. CA$H offers no-cost tax preparation, and connects you to free and low-cost resources that can save you money, including information about how to fund higher education for you or your children.

If you can’t make it to a CA$H Maine tax site, you can still file your taxes for free. Visit the United Way and file your federal and state income taxes for free. If you have questions about this service or filing your taxes, call 1-855-698-9435.