Maine's proposed reforms would improve the state's property tax ranking from 40th to 35th nationally.

Estate Taxes : The LePage plan phases out the estate tax, raising the exemption from $2 million to $5.5 million in 2016, with complete repeal for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2017. This reflects a broader trend of states eliminating death taxes.

Real Property : Key proposals include doubling the homestead exemption to $20,000 for seniors while eliminating it for those under 65. The plan reduces nonprofit property tax exemptions by half, excluding houses of worship, expected to generate $60 million annually for localities. The Property Tax Fairness Credit would be modified to expand eligibility for low- and middle-income families, though at higher property tax caps.

The authors note that nonprofit property tax treatment varies significantly across states, with some jurisdictions implementing negotiated payments in lieu of taxes.