Property Tax in Maine (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Maine Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Maine

Property Tax Calculator — Maine

Pre-loaded with Maine's 1.09% effective rate and $388,200 median price

Property Tax by City in Maine

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Maine Homestead Exemption

How Maine Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment by municipal assessors at 100% of just value (market value). State conducts ratio studies to ensure compliance.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $388,200 home in Maine

Property tax represents 11% of the true monthly cost in Maine.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Maine

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Maine's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$353/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Maine

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Maine?

Maine's effective property tax rate is 1.09%, ranking #18 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $4,232 ($353/month). Rates range from 0.85% in Piscataquis County to 1.22% in Cumberland County (Portland). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Maine have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Maine offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Homestead Exemption: reduces assessed value by up to $25,000 for owner-occupied primary residences who have been Maine residents for at least 12 months. Property Tax Fairness Credit available for qualifying homeowners and renters with income under $43,700 (or $54,600 for 70+ years).. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Maine?

Maine reassesses property on a annual assessment by municipal assessors at 100% of just value (market value). state conducts ratio studies to ensure compliance. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Maine?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Maine, the effective rate is 1.09% of market value. On a $388,200 home: $388,200 × 1.09% = $4,232/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Maine?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Maine?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $353/month ($4,232/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Maine counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Maine's highest effective rate is in Cumberland County (Portland) at 1.22%. The lowest is Piscataquis County at 0.85%. That's a 0.37% spread — on a $388,200 home, the difference is $1,436/year.