Maine Property Tax and Rent Refund “Circuitbreaker” Program

There have been some changes made to the Tax and Rent Refund Program, formerly known as the Circuitbreaker Program.  The Tax and Rent program has been replaced by a refundable Property Tax Fairness Credit that can be claimed on your Maine tax form.  Because of these changes, Spectrum Generations will not be scheduling appointments to help with applications this year.  When the recent state budget passed they made the following changes:

• If you want a refund you must file the state tax return Form 1040ME and the Property Tax Fairness Credit Worksheet even if you do not normally file income tax returns
• Amount of refund reduced to $300 for one person or $400 for a couple
• Maine Revenue will have the forms and will mail them to you if you got a refund last year
• Maine Revenue can help you complete the form by calling them at (207) 626-8475 after January 1, 2014

For complete information about the changes to the Tax and Rent Refund Program, visit www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief/tnr.htm. 

If you pay property taxes or rent an apartment and would like to know if you qualify for a Tax and Rent Refund, please direct your questions to the Maine Revenue Service at 207-625-8475. If you would like to reach out to your local and state representatives to make a comment or have your voice heard, visit www.spectrumgenerations.org/services/leadership-advocacy for contact information.