City Government

City Assessor, Appeals

Assessment Appeals

According to Maine Taxation law, your property's assessment is considered reasonable if it falls within 10% of its probable selling price. The burden to prove that the assessment is unreasonable rests upon the taxpayer. The first step is an informal review. Your opinion must be supported with facts, so visit the Assessor's Office and review the facts on your property record card, the other assessments in your neighborhood and the properties that have recently sold.

Once you have made this preliminary review, make an appointment with the Assessor to discuss your findings. If the Assessor feels no adjustment is required, then you must file a formal appeal application. This application must be filed within 185 days after the Commitment Date (for the fiscal year 2003, the deadline to appeal is January 10, 2003). The Assessor has 60 days to respond to your application. If this formal appeal is denied, you can appeal within 60 days to the Local Board of Assessment Review.