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News 2008

Supplemental Budget Update (April 2008)
It was a tough legislative session for many Maine benefit programs and the people who rely on them. Here are some of the highlights.

Economic Stimulus Payments (March 2008)
You must file to qualify!

MAIN Update (February 2008)
Find out what's happening in the legislature, latest on financial assistance programs, the new Competetive Skills Scholarship Program, MaineCare forms for proving citizenship, and more.

2008 Taxpayer Tips (January 2008)
Claim all the credits you can, get free filing help, don't fall for rapid refund scams.

Property Tax and Rent Rebate: File Now! (August 2007)
If you are a low-to-middle-income renter or homeowner with high property taxes (or rent payments), you may be eligible for this cash benefit from the State of Maine. In 2005 the maximum benefit doubled and more people became eligible!

More legal help for people in Portland Family Court (June 2007)

Have You Written Your Living Will?
A lot of people seem concerned about living wills these days. It is a good idea to have one. The standard form used by most people in Maine is one authored by the Maine Hospital Association.



Need legal help with your Divorce?
More help now available in Portland

The Volunteer Lawers Project will have volunteers available at Portland District Court to help people fill out family law paperwork and answer questions about service, case management, etc.

Courthouse assistance will take place on the following Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

  • Thursday, June 7th, June 21st and June 28th
  • Thursday, July 19th and 26th
  • Every Thursday in August and September

Location: ground floor Portland District Court - Newbury Street entrance.


Property Tax and Rent Refund:
File Now!

house If you own your own home or pay rent, and have high property taxes or rental payments, you are probably eligible for a money refund from the State of Maine.

Again, more money will be paid out and more people will be eligible. Major expansions to the program in 2005 included:

  • Maximum benefit increases from $1,000 to $2,000.
  • The old maximum income cap is gone. (However, the payment formula imposes a "de facto" income cap of $80,750 for individuals and $105,750 for multi-member households.)
  • A renter can count 20% of rent as "tax."
  • Only the first $3,250 of tax (for single person), and the first $4,250 of tax (for multi-person household), will be considered in the rebate formula.
  • Applications will be accepted from August 1, 2007 to June 2, 2008.

As in prior years, only those whose 2006 property tax (or 20% rental cost) exceeds 4% of their 2006 income will be eligible. If you are close to meeting this test, the State encourages you to apply, to find out if you are eligible. Very low-income seniors can qualify without meeting these tests.
Get more details on the 2005 legislative changes from the Maine Municipal Association

Places to get application forms:

Read more details about the program on the Maine Revenue Services site. You can also go there to i-file your application, check on the status of your application, or to e-mail Revenue Services with your questions.


Sorry, we cannot respond to e-mails asking for legal assistance.
If you need help with a legal problem, call us.

Notice

Prepared by Pine Tree Legal  Assistance
June 2007

Sometimes the laws change.  We cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and correct.  If the date above is not this year, call us to see if there is an update.

We provide this information as a public service.  It is not legal advice.  By sending you this information, we are not acting as your lawyer.  Always consult a lawyer, if you can, before taking legal action.

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