Some seniors may soon be eligible for local ‘circuit breaker’ program
Some seniors may soon be eligible for local ‘circuit breaker’ program
By Lucas Knowles
Editor
Scarborough may soon have a local version of the state’s Maine Tax and Rent Refund Program, also known as the “circuit breaker” program.
The state’s “circuit breaker” program is designed to give a refund up to $2,000 to homeowners and renters that meet certain income guidelines.
Town officials, including Town Manager Ron Owens and Town Assessor Paul Lesperance, are doing research on the possibility of starting a “circuit breaker” program in Scarborough. Their findings will soon be presented to members of the Town Council’s Finance Committee.
Finance Committee member Ron Ahlquist recommended that the town look into beginning a local version of the “circuit breaker” program.
Finance Committee chairman Shawn Babine said details of the proposed “circuit breaker” in Scarborough, but committee members have directed town staff that they are interested in a program that is restricted to those 65 or 70 and older. Babine said the program would be a way for the town to help provide tax relief to seniors.
According to Owens, Scarborough’s program would be “a piggyback” on the state’s and seniors in Scarborough who qualify could receive both. The local program would be designed for those who own property and would not include renters. Other aspects of a local program, including income guidelines, are still being worked out, Owens said.
The state’s “circuit breaker” program, which is administered by Maine Revenue Services, was expanded recently by the Maine Legislature to make those who qualify eligible for a rebate up to $2,000, not $1,000.
Married homeowners, for example, are eligible for a refund through the state’s “circuit breaker” program if their household income was $102,000 or less and their property tax was more than four percent of their household income.
Local municipalities that have local “circuit breaker” programs in Maine include York and Cumberland.
The Finance Committee will likely take up the possibility of a “circuit breaker” program in Scarborough at its next meeting in February.
By Lucas Knowles
Editor
Scarborough may soon have a local version of the state’s Maine Tax and Rent Refund Program, also known as the “circuit breaker” program.
The state’s “circuit breaker” program is designed to give a refund up to $2,000 to homeowners and renters that meet certain income guidelines.
Town officials, including Town Manager Ron Owens and Town Assessor Paul Lesperance, are doing research on the possibility of starting a “circuit breaker” program in Scarborough. Their findings will soon be presented to members of the Town Council’s Finance Committee.
Finance Committee member Ron Ahlquist recommended that the town look into beginning a local version of the “circuit breaker” program.
Finance Committee chairman Shawn Babine said details of the proposed “circuit breaker” in Scarborough, but committee members have directed town staff that they are interested in a program that is restricted to those 65 or 70 and older. Babine said the program would be a way for the town to help provide tax relief to seniors.
According to Owens, Scarborough’s program would be “a piggyback” on the state’s and seniors in Scarborough who qualify could receive both. The local program would be designed for those who own property and would not include renters. Other aspects of a local program, including income guidelines, are still being worked out, Owens said.
The state’s “circuit breaker” program, which is administered by Maine Revenue Services, was expanded recently by the Maine Legislature to make those who qualify eligible for a rebate up to $2,000, not $1,000.
Married homeowners, for example, are eligible for a refund through the state’s “circuit breaker” program if their household income was $102,000 or less and their property tax was more than four percent of their household income.
Local municipalities that have local “circuit breaker” programs in Maine include York and Cumberland.
The Finance Committee will likely take up the possibility of a “circuit breaker” program in Scarborough at its next meeting in February.
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