Assessing
The Town of Stockton Springs is served by a single tax assessor. The assessor is responsible for the identification and valuation of all real and personal property in town. Each year, the assessor prepares a list of assessments and commits the assessments to the tax collector for collection of funds appropriated for the budget at Town Meeting.
Commonly asked questions and answers:
- What does the Assessor look at when doing inspections?
When the Assessor does an interior inspection, we look at the unfinished areas in the basement and attic, to determine the quality of materials and workmanship. We also look at the materials used throughout the house for floor cover, countertops, cupboards, windows, doors, etc. If your property is under construction, we will determine the completion percentage on or about April 1st. The taxes will be based only on the amount completed by April 1st for the tax bill that year. Also, if a house (or portion thereof) was demolished after April 1st, the tax bill would still include the property as it was on April 1st. However, if you build a house, addition, garage, shed, etc. after April 1st, it will not be assessed until the following April 1st.
- How are property assessments calculated?
The property assessments are based on the land value and building value. Land values are based on acreage and waterfrontage. Buildings are assessed based on several factors including but not limited to square footage, bathroom count, fireplaces, quality of construction, and age built.
- How is the mill rate calculated?
The total budget (school, county, municipal) is divided by the town’s total valuation to determine the mill rate each year.
- What period does the tax bill cover?
The tax bill covers July 1st though June 30th. The tax bill is based on an assessment date of April 1st.
- Why is the prior owner’s name still on my tax bill?
The taxes are assessed to the owner of record as of April 1st.
- What are the tax exemptions or programs that I may apply for?
- The Homestead Exemption is a form of property tax relief for property owners in Maine. The exemption amount is $20,000. To qualify for this program, you must live in and own a home in Maine for one year as of April 1st and you must file the application with the Assessor’s Office by April 1st. If you already receive this exemption, no need to apply each year!
- The Veteran Exemption is a form of property tax relief for veteran property owners in Maine. The exemption amount is $6,000. To qualify for this program, you must be a Veteran who has served during a federally recognized war period and have reached the age of 62, or be receiving government compensation for a service connected disability. Please file with the Assessor’s Office by April 1st and bring your DD214. If you are an un-remarried spouse of a deceased Veteran who may have met these criteria, you may also be eligible. If you already receive this exemption, no need to apply each year!
- The Blind Exemption is for a person determined to be legally blind by his or her physician. The exemption amount is $4,000 and anyone filing new needs to have the application filed with the Assessor’s Office by April 1st.
- Lastly, there is a property tax fairness credit that can be claimed on your Maine Income Tax Form. For more information please visit State of Maine's website (click here).
- Is there a difference between residential & commercial tax rates?
There is no difference in the mill rate for residential and commercial properties. Each property has a value determined by our last revaluation (2015) and is based on sales data.
- What are personal property taxes?
Personal property taxes are assessed to businesses on their furnishings, fixtures, machinery, equipment, telecommunications, computers, unregistered trailers (semis, tanks, flat beds), tractors, and other heavy equipment.
- How are the tax maps used?
Tax maps show us the approximate boundary lines of properties and they do not take the place of a survey. The tax maps are used for assessing purposes only.
10. When was the last Revaluation?
The last revaluation was completed for April 1, 2015 and was conducted by Maine Assessment & Appraisal Services, Inc.
Helpful Links:
Assessing Related Applications & Forms
State of Maine Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration Search
Disclaimer: All assessing materials including tax maps for the Town of Stockton Springs are for tax purposes only and reliance on such information is at the user's own risk. The Town of Stockton Springs does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any information on the website and may not be liable for any losses caused by any person's reliance on the information made available on this website.