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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Aroostook County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Aroostook County, ME. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 7.70% effective rate, varies by municipality within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Aroostook County, Maine operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local municipal services, schools, and county operations. Property owners in Aroostook County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate, with rates varying significantly by municipality within the county. The effective tax rate for 2025 is approximately 7.70% with a mill rate of $21.99, though this represents just one municipality's rate as each town and city within Aroostook County sets its own tax rate based on local budget needs.

Property taxes in Aroostook County fund essential services including public education, road maintenance, public safety, and municipal operations. Unlike some states, Maine has no assessment cap, meaning property values can increase without limitation based on market conditions. However, the Maine Homestead Exemption Program provides qualified homeowners with property tax relief by reducing the taxable value of their primary residence, helping to moderate the impact of rising property values on long-term residents.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Municipal TaxVaries by townFunds local government services, varies significantly by municipality
School TaxVaries by districtFunds K-12 education, typically the largest component
County TaxVariesFunds county services including sheriff, courts, and administration
Example Total Rate$21.99 per $1,0002025 levy year rate (varies by location)
Effective Rate7.70%Total tax as percentage of assessed value

Note: Rates shown are examples from 2025 levy year data. Actual rates vary significantly by municipality within Aroostook County, ranging from less than $15 per $1,000 to over $25 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contact your local tax assessor for specific rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Aroostook County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Aroostook County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or characteristics after the main tax roll has been established. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or correction of assessment errors. These supplemental bills are calculated using the same tax rate applied to the additional assessed value.

For example, if you complete a home addition valued at $50,000 after the assessment date, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the remaining portion of the tax year. Using the example rate of $21.99 per $1,000, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,100 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $21.99), prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Supplemental taxes are typically due within 30 days of the bill date and become delinquent if not paid by the specified due date.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (with Homestead Exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax: $275,000 ÷ 1,000 × $21.99 = $6,047
  • Monthly Payment: $504

$600,000 Home (with Homestead Exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax: $575,000 ÷ 1,000 × $21.99 = $12,644
  • Monthly Payment: $1,054

$1,000,000 Home (with Homestead Exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax: $975,000 ÷ 1,000 × $21.99 = $21,440
  • Monthly Payment: $1,787

Note: Homestead Exemption requires application and approval. Calculations use example tax rate - actual rates vary by municipality within Aroostook County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Aroostook County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the municipality when due. Escrow payments are calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property tax bills in Aroostook County are typically mailed in August for taxes due October 1st of the following year. Lenders receive these bills directly and pay them from your escrow account before the due date. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your taxes increase significantly, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You can verify your property tax payments and balances by contacting your municipality directly or checking online payment systems where available.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Aroostook County? A: Property taxes are due October 1, 2026 for the current tax year. Tax bills are typically mailed in August 2025, giving property owners approximately two months to arrange payment.

Q: What is the Maine Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Maine Homestead Exemption reduces your property's taxable value by up to $25,000 for your primary residence. This exemption REQUIRES APPLICATION and is not automatic. Applications are available at your local municipality or can be downloaded from Maine Revenue Services. You must apply by April 1st to receive the exemption for that tax year.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Aroostook County? A: Yes, Maine offers several property tax credits including the Maine Homestead Exemption Program (which can eliminate taxes on the first $13,000 of home value for qualified homeowners), veterans' exemptions, and senior citizen exemptions. All credits REQUIRE APPLICATION through your local assessor's office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Aroostook County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Aroostook County. Most towns conduct revaluations every 5-10 years, though some may reassess more frequently. Contact your local tax assessor for your municipality's specific assessment schedule.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Assessment Review, typically within 60 days of receiving your tax bill. Contact your municipal office for specific deadlines and appeal procedures, as these vary by town within Aroostook County.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by individual municipalities within Aroostook County. Most charge interest starting the day after the due date, typically ranging from 7-12% annually. Contact your local tax collector for specific penalty information.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment availability varies by municipality within Aroostook County. Many towns now offer online payment options through their websites or third-party services. Check with your local tax collector or visit your municipality's website for available payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, or economic development zones can create rate variations within Aroostook County. Your total tax rate depends on all applicable districts for your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
State
Summary, 2025 State Valuation asmaine.gov
02
State
2025 Real Estate Tax Billpresqueislemaine.gov
03
State
2025 Real Estate Tax Billpresqueislemaine.gov
04
Accounting and Financial Practices and Procedures Manualaroostook.me.us
05
Disaster Resources | U.S. Representative Chellie Pingreepingree.house.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Rates | Maine Revenue Servicesmaine.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Program FAQmaine.gov
08
Transitions - Work Source Maine, Virtual Career Centermyworksourcemaine.gov
09
TO ALFREDalfredme.gov
10
presentaroostook.me.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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