Monday, September 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Lewiston Armory Senior Room, 65 Central Avenue
Lewiston’s first citywide property revaluation in decades has resulted in significant changes to property values - and significant confusion for homeowners.
A new assessed value is not the same thing as a new tax bill. Property taxes are calculated using both a property’s taxable value and the city’s mill rate. As total property values rise through revaluation, the mill rate is expected to fall. The effect on an individual tax bill will depend on how that property’s value changed compared with properties across the city.
This drop-in open house is designed to help Lewiston residents understand what the revaluation may mean for them and identify property-tax relief for which they may qualify.
What You Can Do at the Open House
Drop in anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 PM to:
- Use an online tool to estimate your tax bill using your new valuation
- Compare that estimate with your current property taxes
- Ask questions about the revaluation and mill rate
- Learn about available property-tax relief
- Get help completing applicable forms
- Speak with Shanna Cox and other candidates for office about your concerns
Property-Tax Relief Information
Information and applications will be available for programs including:
Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value of an eligible primary residence by up to $25,000, adjusted by Lewiston’s certified assessment ratio.
Property Tax Fairness Credit: A refundable Maine income-tax credit for qualifying homeowners and renters whose property tax or rent is high relative to their income.
State Property Tax Deferral Program: Allows certain qualifying older or permanently disabled homeowners to defer property taxes. This is a deferral—not forgiveness—and repayment is eventually required.
Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption: Provides a limited valuation exemption for certain eligible veterans and qualifying family members.
Blind Person’s Property Tax Exemption: Provides a limited valuation exemption for eligible residents who are legally blind.
Renewable-Energy Equipment Exemption: May exempt qualifying solar and other renewable-energy equipment from property taxation.
We will also have information about current-use programs and the property-tax abatement process.
Most municipal exemption applications are due by April 1. Applications submitted after that deadline generally apply to the following tax year. We can still help residents understand their eligibility and prepare for the next filing deadline.
Helpful Items to Bring
If available, bring:
- Your new property-valuation notice
- Your most recent property-tax bill
- Information about any exemptions you currently receive
- Any relevant eligibility documentation for specialized exemptions
These materials are helpful but not required.
No appointment or registration is necessary. Come anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.
Free and open to the public.
Hosted by Shanna Cox for State Senate. This is a community information event and is not an official City of Lewiston event.