Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Somerset County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Somerset County

In Somerset County, Maine, property taxes are administered at the municipal level, meaning your local town or city assessor determines your property's value. Every year as of April 1st, assessors evaluate properties to establish their "just value," which is equivalent to market value. Your property tax bill is calculated by applying the local municipality's mil rate to this assessed value. The mil rate represents the tax amount per $1,000 of assessed value. For example, if your town has a mil rate of 16 and your home is assessed at $200,000, your annual property tax would be $3,200. Additionally, Somerset County levies a county-wide tax to fund county services, which is incorporated into your local municipal tax bill.

Available Exemptions

The State of Maine provides several property tax relief programs and exemptions that can significantly lower your taxable assessed value in Somerset County. Eligible homeowners must apply through their local municipal office. Available programs include:

• The Homestead Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by up to $25,000 for permanent Maine residents who have owned a home in the state for at least 12 months.
• The Veteran Exemption, which offers up to a $6,000 reduction in assessed value for qualifying veterans aged 62 or older, or veterans who are 100% disabled due to military service.
• The Blind Exemption, which provides a $4,000 exemption for individuals who have been declared legally blind.
• The State Property Tax Deferral Program, which allows qualifying seniors aged 65 or older and permanently disabled individuals to defer their property tax payments.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Because Somerset County is comprised of individual towns and unorganized territories, tax payment schedules and deadlines vary by municipality. Most towns issue tax bills in the late summer or early fall, with payments due either in a single annual installment or split into semi-annual installments, typically due in October and April. You must check with your specific town office for exact dates. Unpaid property taxes accrue interest immediately following the deadline at a rate set annually by the State of Maine. Delinquent taxes can eventually lead to a municipal tax lien being placed on your property, which can result in foreclosure if left unpaid.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over-assessed or valued unfairly compared to similar properties in your town, you have the right to appeal. The process begins by filing a formal Application for Abatement with your local municipal assessor. This application must be submitted within 185 days of the tax commitment date, which is the date the taxes are officially committed to the collector. You must provide clear evidence, such as recent professional appraisals or sales of comparable properties, to support your claim. If the assessor denies your request, you may appeal the decision to the local Board of Assessment Review or the Somerset County Commissioners.