Remember the so-called “circuit breaker” program some of us enjoyed for quite a few years? When we received the forms from the state and completed them, some of us received a refund or rebate depending on how much we earned. This little financial boon helped some of us pay property taxes and for renters, it sometimes went toward the first oil delivery.

This program was repealed after the last legislative session and now we have a new program called Property Tax Fairness Credit. I, for one, would like to know why the program was changed and what advantage it is to the state. We know that the rebates won’t be as much as in the good old days – and would like to know where those funds will be used.

The new program is not as generous as the prior program and you can’t apply in August (like the prior program), but don’t overlook it, as the worksheet for it will be included with Maine tax form 1040ME so you can calculate the credit.

If you aren’t used to filing a Maine tax return, you can get help from one of the AARP Tax Help offices but you will need to fill out the Property Tax Fairness forms yourself if you want the rebate or credit or whatever it is called. Here’s some information according to the Maine Revenue Services:

Who will be eligible for the new Property Tax Fairness Credit?

Homeowners or renters will be eligible who meet all of the following requirements: Were Maine residents during any part of the tax year; owned or rented a home in Maine during any part of the tax year and lived in that home during the year; had Maine adjusted gross income of not more than $40,000; and paid property tax on a home in Maine during the tax year that was more than 10percent of Maine adjusted gross income or paid rent to live in a home or apartment in Maine during the tax year that was more than 40 percent of Maine adjusted gross income.

How much is the refundable credit?

Qualified Maine residents can get as much as $300 ($400 if 70 years of age or older).

How does someone apply for the refundable credit?

To claim the credit, an applicant must file the 2013 Form 1040ME and the Property Tax Fairness Credit Worksheet, both now available.

Can applicants receive assistance in applying for the credit?

Yes, Maine Revenue Services will assist applicants. Call 207-626-8475 weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where can applicants get Form 1040ME?

If you filed for the circuit breaker last year, you will receive the form 1040ME booklet in the mail or the forms can be downloaded from the Maine Revenue Services website at http://www.maine.gov/revenue/forms or by calling 207-624-7894 to request that a form be mailed.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at [email protected], or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.