Calais, Maine Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Calais, ME is 1.90%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Maine state median of 1.57%. With the median home value in Calais, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $1,566, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Calais are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Calais's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Calais or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Calais, Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.9%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,566
Ownwell’s Calais Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Calais with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator uses the median tax rate in Calais to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. For those interested in more detailed trends on a neighborhood level, additional localized information can be found further down the page. Your property’s assessed value is determined by the county for property tax calculations, taking into account any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Calais, Maine
Property taxes in Calais, Maine, are essential for funding vital local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Calais is 1.90%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Calais set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Calais estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Calais's effective property tax rate to other counties in Maine and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 04619 has the highest median property tax rate of 1.90%, while the same zip code also represents the lowest median tax rate of 1.90%. Understanding how these cities compare with Calais provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Washington County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Calais Tax Rate
1.90%
Average Washington County Tax Rate
1.70%
Average Maine Tax Rate
1.57%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Calais, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04619 | 1.90% | 1.90% | 1.90% | 1.90% | 1.90% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Calais, Maine
In Calais, Maine, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the local appraisal district for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Calais, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. In Calais, the zip code 04619 has the highest median tax bill at $1,566, which is significantly above the national median property tax rate of 0.99%.
Average Calais Assessed Value
$82,400
Average Washington County Assessed Value
$97,800
Average Maine Assessed Value
$204,200
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Calais, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04619 | $39,330 | $60,275 | $82,400 | $112,250 | $164,040 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Calais, Maine
In Calais, located in Washington County, ME, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. Homeowners in this area are subject to a median property tax rate of 1.90%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99%. The assessed value of a home is determined by local assessors who evaluate various factors, including the property's market value, location, and condition. For example, with a median home price of $82,400, homeowners can expect a median tax bill of approximately $1,566 annually. This figure can vary widely, with tax bills ranging from $1,146 at the 25th percentile to $3,117 at the 90th percentile. Such fluctuations are influenced by differences in property values and individual assessments. Higher property taxes can impact homeowners by increasing their annual expenses, which in turn can affect their overall financial planning and housing affordability. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners to manage their budgets effectively.
Average Calais Tax Bill
$1,566
Average Washington County Tax Bill
$1,700
Average Maine Tax Bill
$3,200
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Calais, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04619 | $747 | $1,146 | $1,566 | $2,133 | $3,117 |
Source: Ownwell