Frequently Asked Questions

In short, yes you are. The State of Maine law requires that each property must be assessed to the last owner of record as of April 1^st of each year. Changes to our records for tax billing is done as soon as we are legally able. It is important to note that any pro ration of an annual tax bill between buyer and seller is a private matter and should be settled clearly at closing.

The statutory assessment for the State of Maine is April 1^st. The Assessing department must retain this ownership information for the fiscal year that follows. If you purchased your property after April 1^st, the previous owner’s name remains on the tax bill. Every effort is made to forward tax bills to the new owner. However, if you haven’t received a copy, you should contact the Customer Service Department at (207) 680-4213

From time to time there is confusion as to who should receive a property tax bill. State of Maine Law clearly states that each property must be assessed to the last known owner of record as of April 1^st of each year.

If you owned your home of April 1^st, but sold it on April 2^nd and the tax bills were mailed out in September, the tax bill will be in your name as you are the owner of record. It is the responsibility of the buyer and seller to prorate at the time of closing and agree between themselves as to how they want to pay the taxes.

If the current taxes are not paid, the Tax Collector must file a lien in the old owner’s (seller’s) name because they were the recorded owner as of April 1^st. Our Tax Collector will make every effort possible to notify both parties to any past due taxes prior to the formal lien process.

The new owner’s liability starts April 1^st in the next year.

Please provide the Assessor’s department with a copy of the bill or sale for all mobile home transfers. If you do not have a bill of sale, please provide other official documentation showing transfer of ownership. You may send the bill of sale or other documentation to assessor@waterville-me.gov or visit us in person.

Tax bills are issued by the Tax Collector’s office. Please contact their office at (207) 680-4213.

Please fill out this form and return it to the Assessing Department.

Once a building permit has been issued by code enforcement, the Assessor’s office can assign a valid mailing address based on the State of Maine E911 guidelines. The Assessor acts as the E911 Addressing Officer and will coordinate the establishment of a new house number with the United States Post Office (USPS), the fire department, the police department, and 911.