Senate supports Sen. Bailey bill to help seniors and certain people with disabilities defer their property taxes

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, the Maine Senate passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, that allows Maine to pay the property taxes for those who qualify and delays the collection of these taxes until the person’s passing. LD 1638, “An Act to Help Seniors and Certain Persons with Disabilities Remain in their Homes by Providing for the Deferral of Property Taxes,” received unanimous, bipartisan support.

“Too often, I hear of seniors having to choose between buying food, medicine or other necessities, and paying their property taxes. Seniors who have worked their entire lives to pay off their mortgage, in hopes of living out their retirement years in their homes, are struggling to pay their ever-increasing property taxes,” said Sen. Bailey. “This bill will provide them with some relief. I am grateful for the Senate’s support.”

LD 1638 is the same as the amended version of Sen. Bailey’s bill from the 129th Legislature, LD 682, which ultimately passed in both the House and the Senate, but did not receive funding due to the early adjournment of session because of COVID-19. This bill allows the state to pay the property taxes for those who qualify, and obtain a lien on the real estate for reimbursement after the property owner or owners passes away, from their estate. The property taxes paid by the state are repaid when the property is sold or the participant (or spouse) passes away.

LD 1638 faces further votes in the Senate and House.

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