Maine ranks fifth in U.S. property tax burden

Maine holds the fifth-highest property tax burden among the 50 U.S. states when measured as property tax collections as a percentage of personal income. This data, provided by the Tax Foundation, supports claims made by Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles.

According to the Tax Foundation, Maine’s 4.1% ranking follows Vermont (5%), New Hampshire (4.9%), New Jersey (4.7%), and New York (4.3%). The high ranking is attributed to high tax rates, estate and real estate transfer taxes, and the taxation of tangible personal property without an exemption.

However, the Tax Foundation noted that Maine’s high property tax burden is offset by the absence of local sales taxes, allowing the state to maintain one of the lowest combined sales tax rates in the country. Overall, Maine ranked 26th in total tax burden for residents and businesses.