Exemptions for Shapleigh Resident Property Owners

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

M.R.S.A. 36 section 683 provides a property tax exemption of up to the just value of $13,000 of the homestead of a permanent resident of this State who has owned a homestead in this State for the preceding 12 months prior to April 1, 2006.

The application for exemption must be filed by April 1, 2006 with the municipal assessor where the homestead is located. The exemption must be adjusted by the ratio of current just value. Homeowners who qualified for exemption for tax year 2005 and whose homestead status has not changed for 2006 need not reapply. 

VETERAN'S EXEMPTION

Title 36 M.R.S.A. Section 653 allows for exemption from taxation of estates, up to the value of $5,000 having taxable situs in the place of residence, of veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during any federally recognized war period, including the Korean Campaign, the Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War, when they shall have reached the age of 62 years or when they are receiving any pension from the United States Government for total disability.  The exemption must be adjusted by the ratio of current just value.  

The application for exemption must be filed by April 1, 2006 with the municipal assessor where the homestead is located. The exemption must be adjusted by the ratio of current just value. Homeowners who qualified for exemption for tax year 2005 and whose homestead status has not changed for 2006 need not reapply. 

BLIND EXEMPTION

Title 36 M.R.S.A. Section 654 exempts from taxation the residential real estate up to $4,000 of inhabitants of Maine who are legally blind, as determined by a properly licensed Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy or a Doctor of Optometry.

Any veteran, veteran's widow or minor children, or blind persons who are, or may be, entitled to an exemption under the provisions of the law and have not previously qualified for an exemption must apply to the Assessors prior to April 1, 2006 and furnish proof of entitlement.  Forms are available at the Town Hall.

Circuit Breaker Program:

The Legislature approved a number of changes in the Circuit Breaker Program this past legislative session that will make more  people eligible to receive a property tax refund for the 2006 taxes. For information, please see the State of Maine web site www.state.me.us. You may, also, obtain an application at the Town Hall.