State’s Circuit Breaker Program Applications Available

The state has begun accepting applications for the 2007 tax year circuit breaker program, formally titled Maine’s Property Tax and Rent Refund Program. The program can provide up to a $2,000 refund for qualified homeowners and renters. Each year thousands of qualified homeowners and renters fail to apply for the program and do not receive the refunds to which they are entitled. A single person with no dependents who makes less than $60,000 qualifies for the program. Those with a spouse or dependents can make up to $80,000. The 2007 property taxes must exceed 4 percent of household income in either case. Renters qualify if their rent exceeds 20 percent of their income. The deadline for filing tax year 2007 refund applications is June 1, 2009.