April is just around the corner, and that means tax season is here! I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight a couple of things the Legislature has done recently to improve our tax system to make life better for Mainers, and share some resources that I think will make filing this year a bit less painful.
One measure that I am particularly proud of established a state refundable child tax credit. By advancing this policy, we expanded the tax credits available for parents and other households with dependents, improving economic security for more Maine children.
Additionally, we took steps to help homeowners by expanding the Property Fair Tax Credit. This credit returns a portion of property taxes or rent paid by eligible Mainers each year as a credit on their state tax return. That means money back in your pocket at the end of the year. If the credit is more than the taxes you owe for that year, the extra amount will be refunded to you. For those not required to file an income tax return, like many older Mainers on Social Security, a streamlined form is available to help ensure they can still benefit from this tax credit. The measure we passed this session to expand this credit did so by increasing the qualifying income and asset test so that more middle-class Mainers can qualify.
The Property Tax Deferral Program is another tool that works to help those living on fixed and lower incomes stay in their homes by covering the cost of annual property taxes. The deferral program was already available to those who are 65 or older or are permanently disabled and meet income guidelines. But last session, we expanded it by raising the maximum income level for eligibility from $40,000 to $80,000 and increasing the maximum asset test to $100,000. By raising these limits, we made the program available to more Mainers while ensuring it targets those who will benefit from this relief.
As you begin to file your taxes this year, I hope you keep an eye out for these programs, as well as others, that are available to you and that can make a significant difference for your family.
For help filing your taxes, CA$H Maine is a wonderful resource composed of nonprofit and for-profit businesses across that state that work together to provide tax preparation support and other financial services to those who meet the income requirements. This year, they are offering in-person appointments with an IRS-certified tax preparer who will help you file your taxes that day.
If you would like in-person assistance but can’t make it to a scheduled meeting, CA$H Maine also offers a Scan & Go service and a Drop & Go service at participating locations where a preparer will complete your filing and then call you to inform you when you can return to pick up your documents.
AARP also provides free tax filing assistance to Mainers through their AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. Certified by the IRS and operated by AARP volunteers, the service is open to taxpayers of all ages and AARP membership is not required. To put your name on the waitlist for an appointment for the Tax-Aide’s Gorham location at St. Annes Church, call (207) 518-8579.
The IRS also provides free tax filing support at their tax assistance office. You can find the nearest IRS tax assistance office located in South Portland. They are currently holding extended hours. To schedule an appointment, please call (844) 545-5640.
I hope that with the help of these resources, you are able to file your taxes with ease, maximize potential deductions and minimize possible liabilities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns! As always, it is a pleasure to serve as your state representative.
Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry, D-Gorham, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is the House Majority Leader, where she serves as head of the Democratic caucus. Outside of her legislative work, Rep. Terry is a chef and small business owner. Contact her at maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov.