Maine Municipal Tax Collectors' & Treasurers' Association
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Posted by Laurie Boucher, Richmond, October 2, 2007: We have a building in town that has been exempt for many years because they are claiming to be a church.  I have never seen any church services in that building.  The MMA assessor's manual states that the Town (assessor) can require financial statements for the previous year to satisfy us that they are actually doing business. According to the Secretary of States Office the church does not have to file annually and the State does not monitor the church. Has anyone had any dealings with this type of thing and can you offer any suggestions?

Responses: I would tax them and let them fight the decision. (Ryan Pelletier, St. Agatha)

We recently had a church purchase an adjacent parcel of land with building, subdivide it and sell the remainder and the building retaining just enough land for their expanded septic system. Like many churches we had almost 0 communications and thus they received a tax bill for which they were incensed. Afger talking with them they better understood their options and moved ahead with a request to abate and provided the Town with the needed documentation. I am simply suggesting that you try to meet first with the leaders of that church and establish what you need to support your findings. Like Ryan, we did the tax and that got their attention….but I always wonder if we try to reach out first would make a difference. (Mitch Berkowitz, Bridgton)