The Legislature is adjourned until January 2024. Unfortunately, it did so without lowering income taxes, despite voting to spend $10.3 billion of our money. The budget that was passed eliminated the senior property tax stabilization program. Because the budget does not address the needs of all Mainers, especially those struggling to pay bills, I voted against it. The Legislature was also unable to complete its work in a timely fashion, so many bills are being held over until next session.
This month, I want to focus on a possible way to help seniors and those living on a fixed income. Some Maine residents may still benefit from filing a Maine tax return, even if they are not required to!
Maine residents who filed to claim the $850 checks last year learned that they’d been missing out on the Property Tax Fairness Credit andthe Sales Tax Fairness Credit by opting not to file a Maine tax return.
The 2021 Property Tax Credit was worth up to $1,500 for qualified applicants, if filers file returns for up to 3 back tax years to claim the Property Tax Fairness Credit andthe Sales Tax Fairness Credit.
Going forward they would likely continue to qualify for the Property Tax Fairness Credit andthe Sales Tax Fairness Credit. I am helping to spread the word about the Property Tax Fairness Credit andthe Sales Tax Fairness Credit, offering some consolation to folks who didn’t file by the deadline to receive the $850 and $450 checks issued last year by Maine Revenue Services.
Obviously, this message does not apply to most readers, but maybe you know someone that can benefits from this?
Follow this link to Maine Revenue’s Information about Tax Credits and Programs:
https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs
Please feel free to contact me at Jim.Thorne@legislature.maine.gov or call 207 287-1440 if you are a Senior citizen and would like to assistance.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the Maine House. I love hearing your thoughts and concerns, and appreciate your input!
Sincerely, Rep. Jim Thorne