MaineHousing reports that automated phone calls are being made offering foreclosure and refinancing assistance by someone pretending to be from MaineHousing. Just hang up. Scams seem to be growing by leaps and bounds and some are pretty creative. Don’t relax your suspicion index!
The state has begun accepting applications for Maine’s Property Tax and Rent Refund Program for the 2008 tax year. This program, also known as the “circuit breaker” program, is run through Maine Revenue Services (MRS). Each year thousands of qualified homeowners and renters fail to apply for the program and do not receive the refunds to which they are entitled. Nearly 200,000 households qualify for a partial refund of property tax assessed and/or rent they paid in 2008.
A single person with no dependents who makes less than $61,400 qualifies for the program. Those with a spouse or dependents can make up to $81,850. The 2008 property taxes must exceed 4 percent of household income in either case. Renters qualify if their rent exceeds 20 percent of their income.
MRS sends applications to anyone who filed in the previous year and to those who requested an application on their Maine income tax return. You may also request an application from MRS by calling them at 207-624-7894 or download an application from their website at http://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief/.
Walter is a licensed real estate broker, but not yours unless we agree to it! (In Maine, real estate law requires a written agreement.) Therefore, the content of this site is intended for informational and educational purposes and is not meant to serve as advice -- professional or otherwise. If you have property currently listed for sale or you are contracted with an agency for real estate services, this is not intended as a solicitation of those services.
Walter is an instructor associated with the Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative and Arthur Gary School of Real Estate
