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1. What is the tax rate (mil rate) and how is it calculated?

Current Tax Rate: $27.54 The tax rate is the amount per $1,000 of taxable valuation that you pay in taxes. It is expressed in dollars and cents. For example, a home with a taxable valuation of $100,000 will have an annual tax levy of $2,754 on a tax rate of $27.54 ($100,000 x .02754 = $2,754).

The City Council determines the annual amount of revenue to be raised from property taxes to fund all municipal services. The Assessing Department determines the total taxable valuation of all real estate and personal property in the City. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the total amount to be raised from property taxes by the total taxable valuation of the City.

2. If my taxes increase, what is the reason?

In accordance with State Law, the Assessing Department inspects all properties in the City once every 4 years. We also annually inspect properties based on building permits and sales. If changes are noted that increase your property’s value, your taxes will likely increase. Even if no changes have been made to your property, and your valuation stays the same, your taxes can still increase if the tax rate increases.

3. Why does the former property owner's name appear on my tax bill?

The statutory assessment date in Maine is April 1. The Assessor's Office must retain this ownership information for the entire fiscal year that follows. If you purchased your property after April 1st, the previous owner's name remains on the tax bill. Every effort is made to forward tax bills to the new owner. However, if you have not received a tax bill by September 1st, you should contact the Lewiston Treasurer's Office at (207) 513-3131.

4. Why won't the City of Lewiston send my tax bill directly to my bank or mortgage company?

The Assessor's billing address information is used by all City departments for official notification of zoning changes, appeals, and other items of significance to property owners. In addition, since mortgages are regularly bought and sold, this would increase the chance for a bill being sent to the incorrect party, delaying payment and incurring interest charges. If your property taxes are held in escrow, simply send a copy of the bill to the mortgage company when you receive it and retain a copy for your records.

5. What do I do if I don’t agree with the Assessor’s valuation of my property?

First, compare your assessment to similar homes in your neighborhood. You can do this by visiting the Assessing Department portion of the City of Lewiston website and selecting Property Tax Records or come to City Hall, 27 Pine Street, and review the Valuation Book at the Assessor’s Office. Next, you can request an informal review of your property. Finally, if you are not happy with the results of the review, you can formally appeal your valuation by submitting an application for abatement.

6. I applied for an exemption on my property, but it did not show up on my bill. Why?

Any application for exemption (veteran, veteran widow, blind, or homestead) must be received by April 1 for the upcoming fiscal year. If filed after April 1, the exemption will not be applied until the following fiscal year.