4/23/08-Gov. John Baldacci has signed a bill into law to provide temporary relief from property taxes for people engaged in the forestry and logging industry.
Existing Maine law requires a claim for reimbursement of property taxes under the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement program, or "BETR," to be filed from August 1 to Dec. 31, for property taxes paid during the preceding calendar year.
The new law, previously LD2222, allows people engaged in the forestry and logging industry to file a claim between Feb. 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008, under the BETR program for property taxes paid during 2007 on eligible property. The relief will be limited to the owner of the eligible property on the date the claim is filed.
A fiscal note on the bill reports that changing the timing of claims would reduce General Fund revenue by $474,500 during the next two fiscal years.

4/16/08-A bill awaiting final consideration on the Senate floor would provide temporary relief from property taxes for people engaged in the forestry and logging industry. The House previously approved it by unanimous consent.
Maine law now requires a claim for reimbursement of property taxes under the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement program, or "BETR," to be filed from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, for property taxes paid during the preceding calendar year.
People engaged in the forestry and logging industry would be allowed to file a claim between Feb. 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008, under the BETR program for property taxes paid during 2007 on eligible property. The relief would be limited to the owner of the eligible property on the date the claim is filed.
A fiscal note on the bill – LD2222 – reports that changing the timing of claims would reduce General Fund revenue by $474,500 during the next two fiscal years.
For bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-2900.

3/10/08-A bill in the Legislature’s Taxation Committee would provide temporary relief from property taxes.
Maine law now requires a claim for reimbursement of property taxes under the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement program, or "BETR," to be filed from August 1 to Dec. 31, for property taxes paid during the preceding calendar year.
Sponsored by Rep. John Piotti, D-Unity, LD2222 would allow people engaged in the forestry and logging industry to file a claim between Feb. 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008, under the BETR program for property taxes paid during 2007 on eligible property. The relief would be limited to the owner of the eligible property on the date the claim is filed.
For bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-2900.