Personal Property Taxes

Assessing Personal Property

Personal (Business) Property is subject to taxation in Maine in accordance with 36 MRSA Sec. 601-612 and Sec. 706-A. 

To assist businesses with this requirement, the Assessor’s Office mails a declaration form every early March to all business taxpayers. Businesses are required to provide the Assessor with a true and perfect inventory list of all personal property which was in the possession of the business as of April 1st of that year, and must return the declaration form by May 1st of each year. Previous years' personal property records can be made available upon request. 

Resources for Business Owners

Business owners often have questions about what should be included on the declaration form. We encourage business owners to contact the Assessor's Office at 207-854-0638. Included below are additional resources concerning personal property taxes: 

Exemptions & Reimbursements 

The State of Maine provides a property tax exemption for certain items of business personal property through the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) program. Additional information about the BETE program is available through the Maine Revenue Services website by calling 207-624-9404. 

For a quick guide, download the City Assessor's Guide to the BETE program (PDF). If you need an extension of time to complete the BETE application, please contact our office at (207) 854-0638 or email the City Assessor.

The State also provides a reimbursement taxes paid on certain items of business personal property through the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program. Additional information on the BETR program is available through the Maine Revenue Services website or by calling 207-624-9404.