DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you please find out if homeowners can expect a rebate from the state on our taxes? Thank you. — No Name via email.

ANSWER: Sun Spots was not sure if you were referring to the homestead exemption or the Property Tax Fairness Credit. From the Maine Revenue Services comes this information about the homestead exemption: The homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $10,000 in the value of your home for property tax purposes. To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine, the home must be your permanent residence, you must have owned a home in Maine for the twelve months prior to applying and an application must be filed on or before April 1 with the municipality where the property is located. The exemption applies to any residential property that is assessed as real property. For instance, a mobile home located on a rented lot may qualify for the exemption. You can download the application at www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/apps/homesteadapp.pdf. Once the exemption has been approved, it will remain in effect as long as your ownership and residency status remains unchanged.

And about PTFC: Eligible Maine taxpayers may receive a portion of the property tax or rent paid during the tax year on the Maine individual income tax return whether they owe Maine income tax or not. If the credit exceeds the amount of your individual income tax due for the tax year, the excess amount of credit will be refunded to you.

Who is eligible for the Property Tax Fairness Credit? Homeowners or renters who meet all of the following requirements:

Were Maine residents during any part of the tax year;

Owned or rented a home in Maine during any part of the tax year and lived in that home during the year as a primary residence;

Paid property tax or rent on the primary residence in Maine during the tax year;

Meet certain income and property tax and/or rent paid limitations during the tax year.

How does someone apply for the refundable credit? To claim the credit, file Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC for the tax year during which the property tax or rent was paid.

Is assistance available to apply for the credit? Yes, Maine Revenue Services will assist taxpayers with Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC. For help, call 207-626-8475 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit Maine Revenue Services at 51 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330, weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed on state recognized holidays.

Where can taxpayers get Form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC? Forms are available at http://www.maine.gov/revenue/forms or call 207-624-7894 to request that a printed form be mailed to you.

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