The Legislature is moving forward now at a fast pace as we enter the month of May, but I want to take this moment to slow down and remind you that the 2005 Property Tax Refund and Rent Program, also known as Circuit Breaker, is still open. Maine Revenue Services will be accepting applications until May 31.
Most Mainers don’t know that the program is still running for 2005, especially now that it is 2007. The 2006 program doesn’t start for a few more months.
A considerable number of people in Aroostook County are eligible to qualify for this program. Many people who qualify do not use it. So I thought that this column would be a great way of spreading the word. On top of checking to see whether you qualify, please tell your families and neighbors that they might qualify for a refund too.
Those whose property taxes in 2005 amounted to more than 4 percent of their 2005 household income qualify. People who paid rent in 2005 should check to see if it amounted to more than 20 percent of their household income. This program offers the rebate to those without a spouse or dependents who made less than $77,000 or those with a spouse or dependents who made less than $102,000.
The program refunds up to $2,000, and over 200,000 Mainers qualify for a refund – that’s well over one-in-ten people in the state. While property taxes in the county are lower relative to the southern end of our state, incomes are also lower; therefore many people in Aroostook are among the large group of people who qualify for the circuit breaker program, but do not use it.
In my district alone there have been 430 applicants who received refunds for 2005. Hopefully this column reaches more constituents and that number continues to rise. Seniors in my district have thus far received a total of nearly $74,000. Almost $58,000 has been returned to renters in the district and property taxpayers have received nearly $75,000. My district represents a very small portion of the program, which has put over $40 million back into Mainers’ pockets. This is a large amount of relief, especially considering that the program is underused.
If you have questions about this program or would like to receive an application please call me at 429-8558. Remember that the program is for rent and property taxes from 2005 and that the deadline for submitting the application is May 31.
Editor’s note: Jacqueline Lundeen is the state representative for District 6, which is comprised of Blaine, Bridgewater, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill and Westfield.