General Maine Homestead Exemption
All Maine residents who own their homes can claim a homestead tax exemption. Learn more about the basic Maine Homestead Exemption and how service members based in Maine can qualify.
If you are a veteran and Maine resident, you may qualify for an additional exemption.
Additional Exemption for Veterans & Certain Family Members of Veterans
Certain veterans qualify for an additional exemption of $6,000 including:
• Those who served during a recognized war period and are 62 years or older
• Those receiving 100% disability compensation;
• Those who became 100% disabled while serving.
Do I qualify for the Maine Homestead Exemption for Veterans?
You can answer these questions to help you figure out if you qualify for the Maine Homestead Exemption for Veterans:
1. Are you a Maine Resident?
Yes. Go to Question 2.
No. You cannot take this exemption.
2. Are you a resident of the municipality where you are claiming the exemption?
Yes. Go to Question 3.
No. You cannot take this exemption
3. Did you separate, retire or receive a discharge of Honorable to General, Under Honorable Conditions?
Yes. Go to question 4
No. You cannot take this exemption (Consider applying for a discharge upgrade. To find out more visit StatesideLegal's Guide to How to Apply for a Discharge Upgrade.)
4. Did you serve in any of the following periods or receive the following medal? (You only need one)
- During any federally recognized war period, including:
- World War II (December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 inclusive),
- Member of the American Merchant Marines in Oceangoing Service between December 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945.
- the Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955 inclusive),
- the Vietnam War (A veteran of the Vietnam War must have served on active duty after February 27, 1961 and before May 8, 1975),
- the Persian Gulf War ("Persian Gulf War" means service on active duty on or after August 2, 1990 and before or on the date that the United States Government recognizes as the end of that war period),
- the periods from August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 and December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990,
- Operation Enduring Freedom,
- Operation Iraqi Freedom, and
- Operation New Dawn.
- Did you receive the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal?
Yes. Go to Question 5.
No. Skip to Question 7.
5. Are you 62 years old?
Yes. You can claim the exemption!
No. Go to Question 6.
6. Are you receiving a pension or compensation from the VA for a total disability? (This does NOT have to be a service-connected disability)
Yes. You can claim the exemption!
No. You cannot take this exemption.
7. Was your disability caused by or aggravated from Active Military Service in the line of duty?
Yes. Go to Question 8.
No. You cannot take this exemption.
8. Are you receiving compensation from the VA for a total service-connected disability?
Yes. You can claim the exemption.
No. You cannot take this exemption.
Can I claim the Maine Homestead Exemption for Veterans If I am the spouse or minor child of a deceased veteran?
A deceased veteran’s spouse or minor children may also be allowed to claim the exemption
- Surviving minor children are eligible if the veteran was receiving pension or compensation benefits at the time of their death or would be eligible if they were still living.
- Surviving spouses are eligible if the veteran was receiving pension or compensation benefits at the time of their death or would be eligible if they were still living and the surviving spouse has not remarried.
How Can I Claim the Exemption?
You need to apply. Applying for the exemption is completely confidential. Maine Revenue Services posts application forms here.
Fill out the form and bring it to your town office.
How Does the Exemption Work?
If approved $6,000 of your home's assessed value will be exempt from property taxes. You can also claim the general homestead exemption - it can be combined with the veterans homestead exemption for a total exemption of $26,000.
The value of the exemption increases to $50,000 for veterans who received a federal grant for a “specially adapted housing unit.”
You will probably still have a tax bill after applying for this exemption.
For example:
- Sarah owns a home in Maine and is a qualifying veteran
- Sarah’s home is worth $100,000
- Her town’s property tax (mill rate) is $10 per $1,000 of home value.
- Without the exemption Sarah owes $1,000 in property taxes.
- With the veteran exemption of $6,000, Sarah’s house will have a new tax value of $94,000.
- Sarah will now owe $940 in property taxes.
Remember: This amount can be combined with the general homestead exemption for a total of $26,000.
- If Sarah also claimed the general homestead exemption, her total exemption would be $26,000.
- With both exemptions, Sarah's house will have a new tax value of $74,000
- Sarah will now owe $740 in property taxes.
The value of this benefit will depend upon the tax rate in your community. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your home.
Thanks to the Tibor and Anna Doby Veteran Support Fund for supporting our efforts to educate our military service members and veterans about their legal rights.
July 2022
PTLA #775B