Maine property taxes track closely with the national average, presenting a statewide effective rate of roughly 0.98%. To protect local homeowners from rapidly rising real estate valuations, the state relies heavily on its generous $25,000 Homestead Exemption and the robust Property Tax Fairness Credit, returning thousands of dollars directly to eligible taxpayers’ pockets each year (est., Tax Foundation 2026 / U.S. Census ACS 2023).
Property taxes in Maine are administered almost entirely at the local municipal level, with no state-level property tax. While some rural and coastal towns boast incredibly low tax rates due to high luxury property values, central and northern municipalities tend to levy higher rates to fund essential school and infrastructure services.
“Just Value” Assessment and Revaluations
Maine law requires that all property be assessed at its “just value”which is the state’s legal term for fair market value. Unlike many states with a rigid, mandated 5- or 10-year reappraisal cycle, Maine leaves revaluation timing up to the individual municipalities.
However, the state actively monitors equity through an annual sales ratio study. If a municipality’s certified assessment ratio drops below 70% of current market value, the state generally steps in and triggers a mandatory town-wide revaluation.
Maine statewide effective rate. On a $350,000 home (after a $25k Homestead Exemption), expect approximately $3,185 per year at the statewide average. (est., Tax Foundation 2026 / Census ACS 2023).
| Home Value | Annual Tax (est.) * | Monthly Payment | vs. U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $1,715 | $142 | +$140 above avg. |
| $350,000 | $3,185 | $265 | +$35 above avg. |
| $500,000 | $4,655 | $387 | -$70 below avg. |
| $750,000 | $7,105 | $592 | -$245 below avg. |
| $1,000,000 | $9,555 | $796 | -$420 below avg. |
* Estimates use 0.98% statewide effective rate and assume the homeowner claims the $25,000 Homestead Exemption. U.S. average uses 0.90% with no exemption. Source: est., Tax Foundation / Census ACS 2023.
Homestead Exemption ($25,000)
The Maine Homestead Exemption provides a direct reduction to the taxable value of your primary residence. For the current tax year, the exemption amount is up to $25,000.
Eligibility: You must be a legal resident of Maine and have owned the property for at least 12 months prior to April 1st of the year you are applying. You must file the simple application with your local municipal assessor by April 1.
The LD 290 Repeal and New Senior Relief Programs
In 2022, Maine passed LD 290 (the Property Tax Stabilization for Seniors program), which effectively froze property taxes for eligible seniors. However, due to massive, unsustainable costs to municipalities, the Maine Legislature fully repealed LD 290 on July 6, 2023.
The freeze applied only to the 2023 tax year. There is no reapplication, and tax bills for seniors “unfroze” for the 2024 and 2025 tax years. To cushion the blow, the state significantly expanded two alternative relief programs:
- Property Tax Fairness Credit: A refundable state income tax credit for eligible Maine homeowners (and renters). The maximum benefit was recently expanded up to $2,000. You claim this when you file your state income taxes (Form 1040ME).
- State Property Tax Deferral Program: Often called a “lifeline loan,” this program was heavily expanded (raising the income limit to $80,000). It allows seniors (65+) or permanently disabled individuals to indefinitely defer paying their property taxes. The state pays the municipality on your behalf, and the state is eventually repaid from the estate when the home is sold.
Veterans and Blind Exemptions
In addition to the Homestead Exemption, Maine offers distinct reductions for eligible groups:
- Veterans Exemption ($6,000): Available to veterans who served during a recognized war period and are age 62 or older (or 100% disabled). A much larger $50,000 exemption is available for paraplegic veterans utilizing a specially adapted housing grant.
- Blind Exemption ($4,000): Available for individuals certified as legally blind by a licensed medical professional.
Major County Tax Rates in Maine
Aroostook and Penobscot counties carry some of the highest effective property tax rates in the state (1.18% – 1.32%). Because these central and northern counties lack the massive real estate valuations of the southern coast, they must levy much higher mill rates to fund local school districts.
Coastal counties like Hancock and York feature significantly lower effective rates (under 0.90%). Sky-high coastal and luxury property values generate ample tax revenue, allowing local towns to keep their mill rates exceptionally low.
| County | Effective Rate | Annual Tax on $350k Home (w/ Exemption) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County | ~1.01% | $3,282 | Includes Portland; tracks closely with state average. |
| York County | ~0.87% | $2,827 | Southern coast; high property values keep rates low. |
| Penobscot County | ~1.18% | $3,835 | Includes Bangor; higher mill rates. |
| Kennebec County | ~1.05% | $3,412 | Includes Augusta (State Capital). |
| Androscoggin County | ~1.12% | $3,640 | Includes Lewiston/Auburn. |
| Aroostook County | ~1.32% | $4,290 | Highest effective rate among top 10 counties. |
| Oxford County | ~0.94% | $3,055 | Western Maine. |
| Hancock County | ~0.85% | $2,762 | Includes Bar Harbor/Acadia; lowest rate in top 10. |
| Somerset County | ~1.19% | $3,867 | Central Maine. |
| Knox County | ~1.06% | $3,445 | Midcoast region. |
Disclaimer and Methodology
This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only, based on effective property tax rates (actual median taxes paid divided by median home values). Maine property taxes are levied entirely at the municipal level, meaning exact mill rates vary wildly from town to town. This calculator uses historical “effective rates” to bypass complex municipal assessments and provide a highly realistic estimate of actual homeowner burden.
What this calculator does not account for:
- The Property Tax Fairness Credit, which is a refundable credit applied to your state income tax return, not a direct reduction of your municipal property tax bill.
- Secondary homes, vacation camps, or investment properties, which do not qualify for the $25,000 Homestead Exemption.
How to get an accurate estimate:
- Find your home’s assessed value via your local municipal assessor.
- Subtract $25,000 if it is your primary residence.
- Multiply the result by your local town’s specific mill rate, and divide by 1,000.
Data sources: Statewide effective rate and county effective rates derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 and SmartAsset aggregations. Statutory rules and the LD 290 repeal from Maine Revenue Services.
Return to the National Property Tax Calculator to compare Maine with other states.
