SACO – The cty of Saco’s Senior Tax Assistance Program provides property tax relief to low-income residents aged 65-plus who live in Saco. The annual program’s application deadline is Saturday, July 1, 2023, and tax credits will be applied to the second installment of taxes due in August.

The city of Saco’s Senior Tax Assistance Program provides property tax relief to low-income residents aged 65-plus who live in Saco. Courier file photo

To qualify, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and have lived in Saco for 10 consecutive years. Successful applicants must also have received a Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit for the 2022 income tax year prior to application. Residents who participate in the program must complete the application process annually, and the program is going into its second year.

“The Senior Tax Assistance Program is important because it provides property tax relief to many of our senior property owners that are on fixed incomes,” said Kristy Cyr, Saco’s tax collector, in an email “The city provides this program for the seniors in our community to help relieve them of some of the property tax burden.”

If applicants meet all requirements, they qualify for a Senior Tax Assistance Credit of up to the amount of the state credit. At no time will the credit issued exceed the amount of the applicant’s property tax bill, less the state credit.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to the Saco Finance Department with questions at 207-283-3303. Local nonprofit and city-supported entity Age Friendly Saco also assists residents with preparation of applications for both city and state tax programs and can be reached at 207-710-5029.

Full list of qualifications:

• 65 years of age or older prior to application deadline.

• Have been living in Saco for 10 consecutive years (as a homeowner or renter).

• Recipient of a Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit.

• If a property owner has applied for a Homestead Exemption.

• Has paid property taxes due through application deadline.

For more information, visit www.sacomaine.org and find Saco Senior Tax Assistance.