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Updated 2025 Tax Year

York County
Property Tax Guide

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

6 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value, varies by municipality within York County
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

York County, Maine operates under a decentralized property tax system where individual municipalities within the county set their own tax rates and collect property taxes to fund local services including schools, public safety, road maintenance, and municipal operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property as of April 1st each year. The effective tax rate in York County varies significantly by municipality, typically ranging from approximately 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value, with Maine's statewide average around 1.2%.

Property tax rates vary considerably within York County due to different municipal needs, school district funding requirements, and special taxing districts. Municipalities like Kittery, York, Wells, Kennebunk, Biddeford, Saco, and others each establish their own mill rates annually. Some areas may have additional assessments for special districts such as sewer districts, fire districts, or tax increment financing (TIF) districts. Property owners should verify their specific municipal rate and any applicable district assessments, as these can significantly impact the total tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for FY 2024-2025 (rates for FY 2025-2026 are not yet finalized):

ComponentRate Range (per $1,000)Description
Municipal Operations$3.50 - $8.00General municipal services, administration
Education/Schools$8.00 - $12.00Local school district funding (largest component)
County Tax$0.60 - $1.20York County government services
Special Districts$0.00 - $3.00Varies by location (sewer, fire, TIF districts)
Total Mill Rate$12.10 - $24.20Combined rate varies by municipality

Note: Mill rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual rates for FY 2025-2026 will be set by each municipality during their annual budget process, typically completed by June 30th. Special taxing districts within municipalities can add additional assessments to the base rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in York 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 York County municipalities are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, improvements, or assessments. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, subdivision of land, or corrections to previous assessments. When new construction is completed after April 1st (Maine's assessment date), municipalities may issue a supplemental bill for the partial year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current mill rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed on July 1st in a municipality with a $20.00 mill rate, the supplemental tax would be: ($100,000 ÷ $1,000) × $20.00 × (9 months ÷ 12 months) = $1,500. Property owners typically receive supplemental bills 30-60 days after the triggering event, with payment usually due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Biddeford

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Mill Rate: $18.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ($275,000 ÷ $1,000) × $18.50 = $5,087.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $424.00

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Kennebunk

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Mill Rate: $15.75 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ($575,000 ÷ $1,000) × $15.75 = $9,056.25
  • Monthly Escrow: $755.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in York

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Mill Rate: $14.20 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: ($975,000 ÷ $1,000) × $14.20 = $13,845.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,154.00

Note: All exemptions require annual application and mill rates shown are estimates based on recent data.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in York County require borrowers to escrow property taxes, collecting monthly payments as part of the mortgage payment and paying taxes directly to municipalities on behalf of homeowners. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 1-2 months as a cushion. Maine law requires tax bills to be paid in two installments, with due dates varying by municipality but commonly September 15th and March 15th.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should verify their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments. Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balance. If property taxes increase due to revaluation or mill rate changes, lenders may adjust monthly escrow amounts and may require a one-time shortage payment. Property owners can contact their municipality's tax office to confirm payments have been received and verify their account status.

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 for FY 2025-2026? A: Due dates vary by municipality in York County. Most municipalities have two payment dates, commonly around September 15th and March 15th, though some may use October 1st and April 1st. Contact your specific municipality for exact due dates.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: Maine's Homestead Exemption reduces your taxable assessed value by up to $25,000 for your primary residence. You must apply with your municipal assessor's office by April 1st for the tax year. This is not automatic and requires annual application for first-time applicants.

Q: Are there property tax credits available for seniors? A: Maine offers a Property Tax Fairness Credit for eligible residents, including seniors, based on income and property taxes paid. This is a state income tax credit that requires filing Maine income tax forms. Some municipalities may offer additional local senior exemptions - check with your local assessor.

Q: How often are properties revalued in York County? A: Maine requires municipalities to maintain assessments at current market value, with most towns conducting revaluations every 5-10 years. Some municipalities perform annual updates while others do comprehensive revaluations less frequently.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal to your local Board of Assessment Review, typically within 185 days of receiving your tax bill. Contact your municipal assessor's office for the specific appeal process and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges, typically 7-9% annually starting the day after the due date. Municipalities may place liens on properties with unpaid taxes and eventually foreclose for non-payment.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Most York County municipalities offer online payment options through their websites or third-party services. Check your municipality's website or tax bill for online payment information and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a special district? A: Yes, properties located in special taxing districts (such as sewer districts, fire districts, or TIF districts) may have additional assessments beyond the base municipal rate. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 6 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
Tax Doc
Property Tax Information | Ogunquit, MEogunquit.gov
03
FY 2025 Projected Municipal Revenue Sharing*maine.gov
04
19-5405supremecourt.gov
05
County
Registry of Deeds | yorkcountymainearchive.yorkcountymaine.gov
06
Town of Dayton, Mainedayton-me.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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