Dear Editor:

The recent new Property Tax Stabilization program is now active.

This program freezes resident's tax bills on primary homestead property if they are over 65 years old and have owned the Maine homestead for 10 years or more.

The net effect is their taxes will not go up in future years. If they move to a new property in Maine the frozen tax amount can be transferred to their new property.

Forms have been released for this new Maine Property Tax Stabilization Program.

A one page form is available at Maine Revenue Service.

Forms must be filed annually with the municipality by Dec. 1 each year.

The municipality will approve applications and freeze the tax on qualified property. The state will reimburse the municipality for any lost revenue from this program.

There are no income limitations to this program.

Forms can be accessed online at Maine.gov/property tax or by mail or phone at: Property Tax Division, P.O. Box 9106, Augusta, ME 04332-9106. Telephone: 207-624-5600 Email address: prop.tax@maine.gov

Better yet, call your municipal tax assessor and see if they can supply a form that you can fill out in their office and leave with them.

This is a long overdue tax reform to help elders to keep their homes.

Thank you to all who made this reform happen.

Tom Boudin, MBA, CPA

Edgecomb