The distribution of Property Taxes in Maine is market value based. However, State Law does allow certain qualifing and enrolled properties to be assessed based upon the properties current use rather than its highest and best market value use. The State of Maine has four programs in place for current use valuation. They are the Tree Growth program, Farm and Open Space programs and the new Commercial Fishing Waterfront program. Each program has specific requirements which must be met to qualify and each program carries a penalty for withdrawl from classification.
Below are some general facts pertaining to State current use programs as well as links to more specific infomation. Anyone interested in these programs is encouraged to meet with your local assessor as well as applicable State agencies to learn more about these programs.
Maine Tree Growth Tax Law
Enacted in 1972, any Maine landowner who owns parcels of land with at least 10 acres of forested land and who is managing that land with the intent to harvest trees commercially may qualify.
Link to the Maine Forest Service Woods Wise Website. Click Here
View the Maine Revenue Services tax bulletin regarding Tree Growth Tax Law. Click Here
View the Tree Growth Classification Application. Click Here
Link to the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Web Site. Click Here
Maine Farmland Tax Law
Enacted in 1975, Any Maine landowner who owns at least 5 contiguous acres which is used for farming, agriculture of horticultural activities may qualify.
Link to the Maine Department of Agriculture Website. Click Here
View the Maine Revenue Service tax bulletin regarding Farm and Open Space Tax Law. Click Here
View the Farmland Classification Application. Click Here
Link to the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Web Site. Click Here
Maine Open Space Tax Law
Enacted in 1975, Any Maine landowner who owns undeveloped land which is preserved or restricted in use to provide a public beneifit may qualify.
Link to the Maine Department of Agriculture Farmland Protection Website. Click Here
View the Maine Revenue Service tax bulletin regarding Farm and Open Space Tax Law. Click Here
View the Open Space Classification Application. Click Here
Link to the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Web Site. Click Here
Maine Working Waterfront Tax Law
Enacted in 2006, this law provides for current use valuation of land utilized for commercial fishing and aquaculture production. State tax bulletins and applications for classification shall be forecoming.
View the Statute governing the Maine Working Waterfront Tax Law. Click Here
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