The Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund “Circuitbreaker” Program for property tax and rent paid will start accepting applications beginning Aug. 1. The program provides refunds of up to $1600 to single-member households making not more than $64,950 or, for those living with a spouse or dependents, not more than $86,600.
The refund only applies to those whose 2009 property tax is more than four percent or whose rent is 20 percent of household income.
Refunds for senior citizens are also available. Applicants who are at least 62 as of 2009 (55 if disabled) qualify for another refund. Persons living alone and whose household income does not exceed $14,700 or those living with a spouse or dependent whose household income does not exceed $18,200 are eligible.
Applicants who qualify will receive whichever refund is larger. The application window is between Aug. 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011.
Applications may be filed online at www.maine.gov/revenue/netfile/TNRIfile.htm or by mail.
Beginning in late July, the Maine Revenue Service will be sending out application booklets to households that qualified for the refund last year.
For more information, call (207)626-8475, or write to: Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund Program, Maine Revenue Services, PO Box 9116, Augusta, 04332-9116.
