Maine (Summary)
Tax Type: Current use value based on forest productivity.
Description: Using FIA, grouped into hardwoods, softwoods, and mixed by county.
Law: The Tree Growth Tax Law (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. 36-572) Sec. 571-584-A. PL 1994, c. 576 (amd.)
Objective: In order to provide an adequate incentive to manage the land on a sustained yield basis and not to strip and sell the land for development.
Forest Tax Program Requirements
Min/Max Acreage: 10
Min. Stocking Growth: N/A
Forest Management Plan: Forest management and harvest plan, a $100 penalty if no plan is provided 1 year after application.
Evidence of Use: 10 year update to management plan.
Duration of Enrollment: N/A
Penalties for Use Change: 10 years or less - 30% of past tax due (5 years minimum penalty), 11 years - 29%...20 years or more - 20% + interest
Program Administration
State: Appeals to State Tax Assessor on 100% valuations.
County Tax Assessor and Commissioner: County Tax Assessor handles application and determines values.
University: N/A
Private Forestry Consultant: Licensed forester prepares management plan.
Landowner: N/A
For a more in depth discussion of Maine property taxes click here!