Property Tax and Rent Refund - Circuit Breaker Tax Relief now available

Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund Program The program to apply for refunds of property tax assessed and/or rent paid during 2009 begins August 1, 2010. The Maine Residents Tax and Rent Refund Program or, "Circuit Breaker" as it is called, is now accepting applications again. The new application period runs from August 1, 2009 through June 1, 2010. During the last year, Maine homeowners and renters received on average a $525 refund from the state. To download an application or apply online, visit the Maine Revenue Services website at www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief. You may also call (207) 626-8475 to request an application. Nearly 200,000 Maine households qualify for a partial refund of property tax assessed and/or rent they paid in 2008. The maximum refund available is $1,600. You may qualify for a refund if: * You do not have a spouse or dependent(s) and your 2008 household income was $61,400 or less; or * You do have a spouse or dependent(s) and your 2008 household income was $81,850 or less AND * Your 2008 property tax was more than 4% of your 2008 household income; or * The rent you paid in 2008 was more than 20% of your 2008 household income. NOTE: Seniors do not need to meet this requirement when their household income is below $13,900 for those living alone or below $17,200 for those living with a spouse or dependent. See the application booklet for more information on who qualifies for the senior portion of the program. an email from Senate President Libby Mitchell