Tax Relief Programs

City of South Portland Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Program

The City offers a rebate of residential property tax payments for eligible residents who are at least 65 years old. To qualify, you first must be qualified to receive a tax credit under the provisions of the State of Maine Residents Property Tax Fairness Credit Program for the most recent calendar year. Property Tax Fairness Credit Summary page.

Also, at the time of application, you must have owned or rented a homestead in the City for the entire two years prior to the date of application and been a resident of the City for at least seven out of ten preceding years. See the complete Ordinance.

  1. Applications must be filed starting January 1 until April 30 each year. Note that applications must be received on or before April 30 each year.
  2. Please remember that you must complete an application every year in order to participate in the program.
  3. Any credits/refunds will be applied to your current tax bill. If your taxes are paid in full, or you are a renter, then you would receive a check.

Fully complete the application:

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

  1. Attach a signed copy of your Form 1040ME, including Schedule PTFC (Property Tax Fairness Credit).
  2. Sign and return the application to the Finance Department at City Hall, or mail to:

City of South Portland Finance Department
Attn: Deputy Tax Collector
25 Cottage Road
South Portland, ME 04116

If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, please contact 767-7612 or email the Finance Department

State of Maine Tax Relief Programs

Information on State tax relief programs can be found at www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs, or by calling Maine Revenue Services at 207-624-5600. State programs include:

  • State Property Tax Fairness Credit: Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC/STFC, filed with your Income Tax Return for the tax year the property tax or rent was paid, has increased to $2,000 as a tax return filing. Call 207-624-9784 for more information.
  • State Tax Deferral Program: Asset limits were raised and income limits doubled to $80,000 for Maine Seniors having difficulty paying taxes. Applications are due in the Assessing office from January 1 to April 1.
  • State Exemptions: Homestead (reduces taxable valuation by up to $25,000 as adjusted per State guidelines), Veterans, Veterans Widow/Widower, Disabled/Paraplegic Veterans, Blind, and Renewable Energy.

Financial Hardship Abatements

For those who believe they are financially unable to pay their property taxes, the South Portland City Council can consider financial hardship tax abatements. For more information, contact Social Services at 207-767-7617 or email ga@southportland.gov.