Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD2144

Introduced
1/3/24  
Refer
1/3/24  
Refer
1/9/24  
Engrossed
3/20/24  

Caption

An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief by Increasing the Availability of the Property Tax Fairness Credit for Resident Individuals Who Are 65 Years of Age or Older with Annual Income at or Below $36,000

Impact

The proposed changes in LD2144 could significantly enhance the financial well-being of elderly residents in Maine by providing them with a greater tax credit. With rising property taxes, particularly affecting seniors on fixed incomes, this bill seeks to address the challenges faced by these individuals. By increasing the amount of available credit, the state aims to offer necessary support to a demographic that has often needed property tax assistance, thereby promoting housing stability for older residents.

Summary

LD2144 aims to provide property tax relief specifically for Maine residents who are 65 years or older and have an annual income of $36,000 or below. This legislative action seeks to increase the availability and amount of the Property Tax Fairness Credit by altering the definition of income. Under the proposed amendment, individuals receiving Social Security and railroad retirement benefits would have these payments excluded from the income calculation used to determine the credit for tax years starting in 2024. This measure is intended to alleviate financial burdens on older citizens who are struggling with property taxes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding LD2144 appears to be positive, especially among advocacy groups and constituents who emphasize the importance of supporting the elderly. Lawmakers have seemingly recognized the necessity for property tax assistance in light of increasing living costs. However, some concerns may arise regarding the funding sources for the bill and how increases in credit may impact the broader state budget. While the intention is to aid seniors, the sustainability of such credit provisions remains a topic of discussion.

Contention

Despite the overall support, there may be contention regarding the fiscal implications of implementing LD2144. Legislators must consider how these tax credits will be funded and whether they could lead to budgetary constraints in other areas. Opponents may express concerns about prioritizing tax credits for a specific age demographic, questioning if it limits resources available for other vulnerable populations. The debate therefore highlights the balance between providing targeted relief and the equitable distribution of state resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD715

An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief by Increasing the Availability of the Property Tax Fairness Credit Based on a Resident's Age and Income

ME SB169

House Substitute for SB 169 by Committee on Taxation - providing an income tax rate of 5.15% for individuals and decreasing the normal tax for corporations, increasing the income limit for the income tax subtraction modification for social security income, increasing the standard deduction by a cost-of-living adjustment, discontinuing the food sales tax credit, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients on January 1, 2024, and increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy.

ME SB377

Substitute for SB 377 by Committee on Assessment and Taxation - Providing an income tax rate of 5.25% for individuals, increasing the income limit for the income tax subtraction modification for social security income, increasing the standard deduction by a cost-of-living adjustment, increasing the Kansas personal exemption, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients on April 1, 2024, and increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy.

ME HB2837

Simplifying income tax rates for individuals, increasing the the Kansas personal exemption, increasing the income limit for an income tax subtraction modification for social security income, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax rate and establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for sales of food and food ingredients on July 1, 2024.

ME HB2457

Providing an income tax rate of 4.95% for individuals and decreasing the normal tax for corporations, increasing the income limit for the income tax subtraction modification for social security income and providing that all social security income qualifies for the subtraction modification commencing in tax year 2026, increasing the Kansas standard deduction for individuals and further increasing the standard deduction by a cost-of-living adjustment, discontinuing the food sales tax credit, decreasing the privilege tax surtax, establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients on July 1, 2023, and increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy.

ME HB2284

Providing an income tax rate of 5.25% for individuals, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax, increasing the standard deduction by a cost-of-living adjustment, increasing the Kansas personal exemption, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients on April 1, 2024, and increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy.

ME SB2

Eliminating the income limit to qualify for the subtraction modification exempting social security benefits, increasing the income tax credit amount for household and dependent care expenses, establishing the veterans' valor property tax relief act providing for an income tax credit or refund for eligible individuals, citing the increased property tax homestead refund claim section as the homeowners' property tax freeze program, decreasing the normal privilege tax rate, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district; providing for certain transfers to the state school district finance fund, reducing the state rate of tax on sales of food and food ingredients and modifying the percent credited to the state highway fund from revenue collected.

ME SB173

Provide income tax relief for property taxes paid

ME HB2844

Modifying income tax rates for individuals, increasing the standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, increasing the income limit for an income tax subtraction modification for social security income, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax rate, abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund and decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district.

ME SB539

Simplifying income tax rates for individuals, increasing the standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, eliminating the income limit for the income tax subtraction modification exempting social security benefits, establishing a child tax credit, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax rate and establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for sales of food and food ingredients on July 1, 2024.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.