A new tax law will freeze property taxes for eligible Maine seniors

A new law will freeze property tax increases for some older Mainers. In order to qualify, you must be 65 years or older and a permanent Maine resident who's owned a primary residence in the state for at least the past ten years.

“65 plus right?," said Avesta Neighborworks director Nicole DiGeronimo. "A lot of Mainers aren’t millionaires; they’re living on fixed income ... social security.”

The tax relief initiative will prevent future tax increases for eligible homeowners in an effort to help seniors stay in their homes. People who qualify will have to re-apply every year. Given the lack of affordable housing stock in Maine, a foreclosure could lead to homelessness since many seniors don't have any housing alternatives that fit within their budget.