Property Tax Exemptions & Relief Programs – City of Brewer

General Info

To receive a property tax exemption, you must apply by April 1 of the year you’re requesting it. If approved, the exemption amount will be subtracted from your property’s assessed value before taxes are calculated.

For questions or help, contact the Assessing Department at 207.989.7560 or visit the State of Maine website for a full list of exemptions.

Common Exemptions

Homestead Exemption

• Reduces your assessed value by $25,000.

• You must:

  • Be a Maine resident.

  • Have owned and lived in the home for at least one year by April 1.

  • Use the home as your permanent residence.

• BREWER HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION APPLICATION.

If your ownership or how you use the property changes, you must notify the Assessor.

Veteran Exemption

• Reduces assessed value by up to $6,000.

• You must:

  • Be a Maine resident.

  • Be age 62 or older as of April 1, or

  • Be receiving a 100% veteran’s disability pension.

  • Have served during a recognized war period.

• Also applies to un-remarried widows/widowers or minor children of qualified veterans.

• Application for veteran exemption or Surviving Spouse of Deceased Veteran.application_form (1)

Blind Exemption

• Reduces assessed value by $4,000.

• You must be legally blind, certified by a a properly licensed Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Optometry.

• blindexemptionapp

Renewable Energy Exemption

• Exempts eligible renewable energy equipment (e.g., solar panels) from property taxes.

• Must apply by April 1 of the first year the equipment is installed.

• Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption Application

Tax Relief for Senior, Low-Income or Disabled Homeowners

Property Tax Fairness Credit

• A tax credit for eligible residents based on property tax or rent paid.

• You can claim it on your Maine income tax return—even if you owe no income tax.

• Maine Revenue Services offers more information.

State of Maine Property Tax Deferral Program

• 🏠 What it is: A state-run loan program that helps seniors (65+) and disabled homeowners defer (postpone) paying their annual property taxes.

• 💵 How it works: The State pays your property taxes now; you or your estate repay the loan (plus interest) later—when the home is sold, transferred, or no longer your primary residence.

• 📅 When to apply: Applications are accepted January 1 – April 1 each year.

• 📍 Where to apply: Submit your application to the City of Brewer Assessor’s Office.

• ✅ Who qualifies:

  • Must be 65 or older, or unable to work due to a disability.

  • Must meet income and asset limits set by the State.

• 🌐 More info & forms: Available on the State of Maine website.

Exemptions for Institutions & Organizations

Nonprofits and other qualifying organizations can apply for exemption by April 1.

• Proof of eligibility is required.

• Once approved, the exemption remains unless your status changes.

• Call 207.989.7560 to request an application or APPLICATION-FOR-EXEMPTION of local property.

Tax Relief for the Business Owner

Business Tax Relief

Two State programs help business property owners:

• BETE (Business Equipment Tax Exemption) –Maine Revenue Service Business Tax Programs

• BETR (Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement) –Maine Revenue Service Business Tax Programs

For working waterfront land, Maine Revenue Services Current Land Use Programs.

Questions?

Call the Brewer Assessor’s Office at 207.989.7560
Or visit: www.maine.gov/revenue/propertytax