Information for Seasonal Residents
We are so happy that you choose to spend your summers in Old Orchard Beach!
If you live elsewhere and your summer home (camper, trailer, park model, etc.) goes with you at the end of the season and returns after April 1st, you may not need to pay personal property taxes in Old Orchard Beach.
However, if your camper, trailer, or park model stays on your site and is on Old Orchard Beach soil on April 1st, you will be assessed property taxes based on its current value.*
*Assessments are based on the J. D. Powell Used Retail Value. Additions such as porches, decking, sheds etc., are also subject to Personal Property Tax.
Under Maine law, personal property is assessed and taxed in the municipality where it is situated on April 1st of each year, even if it is later moved or removed.
Tax Bills for Personal Property are issued once a year in August with payment due in September.
The owner of record as of April 1st will be the owner named on the tax bill for the upcoming tax year.
If you sell your unit on or BEFORE April 1st, please let us know so we can replace your name on the tax bill with the new owner’s.
If you sell AFTER April 1st, please remember that your name will still be on the tax bill when we commit in August and the new owner will not receive a tax bill. You will need to forward the bill to the new owner when it is received.
If you move or remove your property, you must notify the Assessing Department promptly.
If you sell or transfer your unit
You must provide the Assessing Office with a Bill of Sale that includes:
- Date of the Sale
- Selling Price
- Seller’s name, mailing address, and phone number (email address is optional, but often helpful)
- Buyer’s name, mailing address, and phone number (email address is optional, but often helpful)
- Physical Location (Resort and Site # and/or Street Address)
- Year, Make, Model Name, and Model # of the unit
- Serial number or VIN
The Town of Old Orchard Beach does not prorate or split tax bills between parties to a sale.
It is the owner’s responsibility to report any changes to the Assessor. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to make arrangements between themselves to apportion the property tax at the time of the sale.
If you remove your unit
Removing your unit from the town after April 1 does not affect your property tax bill nor remove your obligation to pay property tax for that year.
Email documents and information to
assessing@oobmaine.com
or submit by mail to
Old Orchard Beach Assessing
1 Portland Ave
Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Motorhomes, trailers and other recreational vehicles with a current State of Maine registration (license plate) as of April 1 will not be assessed for personal property tax as the owner has already paid state of Maine excise tax. If your unit is not taxable as personal property, but you have other taxable property such as a shed or deck, you will receive a bill for only the taxable items.
More information on Excise Tax v. Property Tax
Don’t forget to apply for a State of Maine title
If your unit is less than 25 years old, you need to apply for a State of Maine title following any change of ownership. Applications for a title can be obtained at Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle branch offices, or by contacting the Title Unit in Augusta at (207) 624-9000 x52138. More Information
If you purchased a camper or trailer (including park models) and the seller did not collect sales tax, file an Individual Use Tax Return (IUSE) with the State of Maine. If you purchased a used manufactured home (mobile home), your purchase is tax exempt and you do not need to file an IUSE form.