The mailing of property tax bills is delayed. The first payment will be due no sooner than September (date TBD), not August 22 as previously announced. Because many taxpayers will see significant changes on their tax bills, the City Council will be hearing a presentation from the Tax Assessor and setting new bill due dates on August 6, after which point bills will be mailed.
Read on, and visit the Tax Bills FAQ.
Individual bills are not yet ready, as the Assessor’s office is finalizing its tax commitment for the State. Per the Maine State Constitution, assessed valuation must be based on market value. As you are likely aware, market prices all across the state—especially for single family properties—have risen sharply in recent years. As a result, South Portland and many cities and towns across Maine are needing to adjust assessed property values to meet State requirements.
Many tax payers will see an increase in their assessed property value, which in most cases means an increase in tax amount due. The City does not change how much it raises in taxes when property values are adjusted; this only ensures that the taxes that the City does collect to support the approved budget is distributed fairly and equitably among property owners according to property value, per the State Constitution. We encourage you to join the August 6 City Council meeting to learn more from the Assessor.
Another change taxpayers should be aware of is that the City will be sending one tax bill mailing starting this year instead of four quarterly mailings. If your taxes are paid through your escrow account, there will be no change for you. However, if you pay your property taxes directly, you will be responsible for paying your bill using the payment stubs provided with your bill. You can sign up for email alerts when tax payment due dates approach at.