Personal Property

Personal Property Filing Information

Beginning in 2008 some Personal Property became exempt from taxation under the new Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) statute enacted by the Maine Legislature (Title 36 Sections 691-700B). Learn more about the BETE law.

All businesses are required to list their equipment, furniture, and fixtures used in the operation of their business, according to the State of Maine Law, Title 36, Sections 601 and 706. Lists must be filed by May 1st annually, indicating the April 1st status.

This office assesses business personal property based on the original cost of the property and the year of acquisition.

We are requesting that you report the original costs and year of acquisition of all taxable personal property on the enclosed form. Depreciation will be uniformly applied to the original costs to reflect the age and condition of the property.

*Note: The year of acquisition is very important as without a date, the software application applies a sound value date and the original cost will not depreciate.

The enclosed form should be used to report the total dollars spent each year for property in the various categories:

1. Furniture and Fixtures
2. Machinery and Equipment
3. Telecommunications Equipment
4. Computer Equipment
5. Other

Leased equipment should also be listed with as much information as possible so we can avoid assessing the same equipment twice.

• 2024 Personal Property Declaration Form(PDF, 576KB)
• 2024 BETE Personal Property exemption Form(PDF, 11KB)
• Depreciation Schedules(PDF, 6KB)
• Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement

If you have any questions or need help, please contact me at (207) 582-6892 and I will be happy to assist you.

Curt Lebel, City Assessor