LEWISTON – Applications are available for Maine’s property tax refund program, area legislators announced.

Popularly known as the “circuit breaker,” the program offers refunds to property owners and renters who meet certain income requirements. The filing deadline is Dec. 31.

The lawmakers noted that the income limits have increased.

People may be eligible if they:

• Were Maine residents for all 12 months of 2002.

• Owned or rented a home in Maine for all 12 months of 2002 and occupied that home for at least six months of 2002.

• Lived alone and total household income in 2002 was $29,900 or less, or, lived with a spouse or dependent and total household income in 2002 was $46,300 or less.

• Had a 2002 property tax bill that was more than 4 percent of total household income; or paid rent in 2002 that was more than 22 percent of total household income. Elderly people do not need to meet this requirement when their income is below $11,900 for those living alone or below $14,800 when living with a spouse or dependent.

For assistance with the Property Tax and Rent Refund Program: teletax: 1-207-624-7875, 24 hours, every day; call for information: 1-207-626-8475, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; order forms online at www.maine.gov/revenue or call 1-207-624-7894, every day, 24 hours (to leave your name and address).

Refund information is available at 1-207-626-8461, every day, 24 hours (you must have your Social Security number and total income ready); or TTY: 1-207-287-4477, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; or write to Maine Revenue Services, PO Box 9116, Augusta, ME 04332-9116.

You may also call your legislator for an application form: Rep. Richard Mailhot, 783-0841; Rep. Lillian LaFountain O’Brien, 782-5276; Rep. Deborah Simpson, 777-1379; Rep. Margaret Craven, 783-1897; Rep. Elaine Makas, 784-5726; Rep. Sonya Sampson, 784-3141; and Rep. William Walcott, 783-4059.