AN ORDER REGARDING AN EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT USE TAXATION DEADLINE
WHEREAS, I proclaimed a state of emergency on March 15, 2020 to authorize the use of emergency powers in order to expand and expedite the State's response to the many different effects of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the governor's emergency powers under 37-B M.R.S. §742(1)(C)(13)(a) expressly include the authority to adjust time frames and deadlines imposed by law; and
WHEREAS, this Order is necessary provide flexibility and temporary relief to landowners wishing or planning to enroll in Maine's Current Use Taxation Programs, including the Tree Growth, Farmland, Open Space, and Working Waterfront tax programs; and
WHEREAS, this Order is necessary with municipal offices closed and unable to support landowner questions or accept current use applications online;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. Ch. 13, including but not limited to the provision referenced above, do hereby Order as follows:
I. ORDERS
A. The annual current use taxation application deadline of April 1st as set forth in 36 M.R.S. §1109(1) is adjusted to July 1st for 2020. This includes the Open Space and Farmland tax programs.
B. The annual current use taxation application deadline of April 1st as set forth in 36 M.R.S. §579(2-A) is adjusted to July 1st for 2020. This includes the Tree Growth tax program.
C. The annual current use taxation application deadline of April 1st as set forth in 36 M.R.S. §1133 is adjusted to July 1st for 2020. This includes the Working Waterfront tax program.
II. EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of this Order is March 31, 2020.
Janet T. Mills
Governor