ASESSOR’S OFFICE



ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

The following is an overview of statistical data for the 2012 tax year as compared to the previous year:

2012 TAX YEAR 2011 TAX YEAR

Taxable Property Valuation $281,481,100 $277,592,300

Taxes Committed for Collection $5,615,551 $5,260,372

Tax Rate $19.95 $18.95

Tax on “Average” Home $2000.98 $1699.81

Average Sale Price of Houses $100,300 $89,700

Mean Sale Price of Houses $97,000 $79,000

Tax dollars were appropriated as follows:

Aroostook County Tax $ 297,148 $ 286,164

RSU #29 (Local Share) $2,050,839 $1,862,698

Municipal Appropriation $3,267,564 $3,111,510

Total Commitment $5,615,551 $5,260,372

The real estate market in Houlton continued to remain fairly active in 2012 as evidenced by market sales:

CLASSIFICATION OF SALES NO. OF SALES TOTAL SALES PRICE

Residential Vacant Land Sales 8 $ 171,925

Residential Developed Sales 40 $4,012,667

Commercial Vacant Land Sales 0 0

Commercial Developed Sales 14 $2,708,560

TOTALS: 62 $6,893,152

Houses sold ranged in selling price from $15,000 to $240,000 (the highest sale of residential property in Houlton remains at $250,000 which was established in 2007). Contrary to public opinion, the average sales price of homes in Houlton increased by $10,600 in 2012 which indicates that market values continue to be on the increase in keeping with the market trend evidenced within Aroostook County.

Property is assessed based on the status of the taxpayer (eligibility for tax exemptions) as well as the location, condition and taxable status of the property as of April 1st each year in compliance with state statute. However, the tax bills in Houlton cover the time frame of the fiscal year of the town, being January 1st through December 31st.

Mobile homes are considered to be real estate for taxation purposes; therefore, an individual buying, selling or moving a mobile home is required to contact the assessor’s office to provide information for the updating of ownership records.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

The following exemptions are made available to taxpayers at a local level. Applications are located in the town office and also on the Town of Houlton website houlton- and must be filed on or before April 1st.

PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION – To qualify, homeowners must have owned a homestead in Maine for a minimum of 12 months prior to April 1st and declare the homestead to be their permanent place of residence. Once the application is filed, the exemption remains until the owner sells or changes their place of residence. This exemption provides up to the whole value of $10,000 of taxable valuation exemption.

VETERAN EXEMPTION – Any veteran, or the widow or widower of a veteran, who has reached the age of 62 and served active duty during a federally recognized wartime period may be eligible for this exemption. Veterans under the age of 62 who served active duty during a federally recognized wartime period must be receiving a pension or compensation from the United States Government for total disability. This exemption provides up to the whole value of $6,000 of taxable valuation exemption.

BLIND EXEMPTION – Individuals declared legally blind by a medical doctor or eye care professional may be eligible for this exemption which provides up to the whole value of $4,000 of taxable valuation exemption.

BUSINESS EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE

BETE (BUSINESS EQUIPMENT TAX EXEMPTION) – Certain businesses (other than retail and service businesses) may qualify for an exemption on personal property tax for equipment first subject to taxation on or after April 1, 2008. This exemption must be applied for annually.

The following programs are offered at the State level through Maine Revenue Services and application forms must be filed annually. More information can be viewed on line at

MAINE RESIDENTS PROPERTY TAX OR RENT REFUND (CIRCUIT BREAKER PROGRAM) – There is available each year a direct reimbursement payment by the State of Maine to certain households, whether they rent or own their own home, subject to qualifying through filing an annual application with Maine Revenue Services.

BETR (BUSINESS EQUIPMENT TAX REIMBURSEMENT) – Certain businesses may qualify for tax reimbursement from the State of Maine on personal property tax paid during the previous year. Taxpayers begin the application process by filing the Form “801” with the local assessor’s office, followed by filing of an application form to Maine Revenue Services.

The valuation book, digital photography, property tax maps, property valuation reports and real estate transfer tax forms are public records and are available for review at the town office. This office has an open door policy and welcomes citizens to call or visit the office at any time during regular office hours. Much of this information can also be viewed on the Town of Houlton website, houlton-

Respectfully submitted,

Laureen Bither, CMA

Assessor, Town of Houlton

tax.assessor@houlton-

Phone 207-532-7111

Fax 207-532-1304

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