Maine homestead exemption after death of homeowner (Lewiston: city hall, assessors)

[roadrat]

So here is my story to date, My Mother passed away last week and it looks like I'm going to be the executor of the estate, there is not a lot too the estate, just her house and a small amount in her bank account.
She had a long term companion living with her in the house but his name is not on anything and we would like to allow him to live there as long as possible, in fact one of my brothers is going to move in to help him pay the taxes and bills.
My question is what happens with the homestead exemption on the house if we hold on to it as an estate?
could my brother as a 1/4 owner claim the exemption?

Just trying to get some insight before calling city hall.

[svband76]

Not sure, I would think the exemption would stand but I'm not sure. Sorry about your mother and it's very nice what you and your brother are doing. v

[Northern Maine Land Man]

If it's a small town and the man is registered to vote, the exemption would likely remain. Our town sends all residents over 65 a $200 check in January. It helps with the fuel bill. If it's a city, they still might not notice.

[AustinB]

Please let us know how it turns out. I'm curious now.

[WhoFanMe]

I'm sorry for your loss.

The Homestead Exemption is a "discount" off of the property tax bill for primary residents after 12 months of ownership and it needs to be applied for (only once). I'm in the process of notifying my 2021 and 2022 buyers to apply as the annual deadline is April 1. In many communities, it reduces the assessed value by up to $25,000. There is some information here that might be helpful to you and I would also check with the attorney handling the estate.

[roadrat]

Originally Posted by AustinB

Please let us know how it turns out. I'm curious now.

Will do.

[roadrat]

Originally Posted by WhoFanMe

I'm sorry for your loss.

The Homestead Exemption is a "discount" off of the property tax bill for primary residents after 12 months of ownership and it needs to be applied for (only once). I'm in the process of notifying my 2021 and 2022 buyers to apply as the annual deadline is April 1. In many communities, it reduces the assessed value by up to $25,000. There is some information here that might be helpful to you and I would also check with the attorney handling the estate.

I understand how the exemption works, just not how the death of the homeowner affects it. I will have to check with the tax assessors office here in Lewiston as we are not using an attorney to handle the estate.

Thanks everyone for your responses.

[mainegrl2011]

The homeowner has to live in the house for 12 months and then apply for the exemption. I learned more about this after the death of two relatives, two different houses. A deceased person who was the homeowner can no longer live in the house as his/her primary residence so the exemption ends. The new homeowner must live in the house as primary residence for 12 months and then apply for the exemption at the local tax office.

[WhoFanMe]

Originally Posted by mainegrl2011

The homeowner has to live in the house for 12 months and then apply for the exemption. I learned more about this after the death of two relatives, two different houses. A deceased person who was the homeowner can no longer live in the house as his/her primary residence so the exemption ends. The new homeowner must live in the house as primary residence for 12 months and then apply for the exemption at the local tax office.

You can apply at any time and I encourage my new buyers to do it right away after closing while it's fresh on their minds. The towns will kick in the exemption at the proper time.

[roadrat]

Just an update for everyone, The tax office has told me that they are notified about the death automatically and then remove the exemption. My brother will not be ale to file for or claim the exemption because his name is not on the deed.
for now we plan on just paying the the higher tax rate that is about $500 a year.