To the Editor:
This letter is to remind local residents that April 1 is the deadline to apply for local property tax exemptions. Full-time residents are eligible to apply for a Homestead Exemption which reduces residential real estate values by $25,000.

Veterans over the age of 62 may qualify for a Veterans Exemption which reduces residential real estate value by $6,000. Additionally, The State of Maine has a new property tax deferral program this year.

Residents 65 and older and/ or permanently disabled, earning less than $40,000 per year and with less than $50,000 in liquid assets may be eligible. The program allows qualifying individuals to defer payment of property taxes on their homesteads until they pass away, move, or sell their property.

Any information provided will be held in strict confidence. The application is available on the Maine Revenue Services website: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/sites/maine.gov.revenue/files/inline-files/deferral_app.pdf.

Please contact this office for any additional information,

Loretta Powers
Bethel Town Manager

Bethel