Revaluation Update - August 2022

The Town of Gorham has undergone a Full Data Verification Revaluation. Data verification is accomplished through a physical inspection of each property. Over the past 18 months, data collectors from Vision Government Solutions visited Gorham properties for exterior and, with the owner permission, interior inspections. Appraisers analyzed data gathered from these inspections and information documented from the last assessment, including the house style, location, neighborhood (if located in one), residential grade (quality), water frontage, utilities available, zoning, and usable land. 

An analysis of market sales between April 2021 and April 2022, replacement costs, and other factors also assist in the valuation of all property to its fair market value. A third party auditor also reviewed Vision Government Solutions’ work to ensure its quality.

HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEW ASSESSMENT?
New assessment letters (impact notices) will be mailed to property owners the week of August 28th. If you have not received a letter by September 2nd, see “How Can I See My New Assessment?” below.

HOW CAN I SEE MY NEW ASSESSMENT?
You may review your new assessment data on the Vision Government Solutions appraisal web site beginning August 29th.

• Visit www.vgsi.com and select the “TAXPAYER INFO” tab along the top of the page.
• Choose “ONLINE DATABASES” from the dropdown menu.
• Select the state of Maine symbol.
• Scroll to “Gorham, ME,” and enter search information for your parcel.
• To view a copy of a generic assessment letter, see the attachment below.

Property owners may review their new assessment with a representative of Vision Government Solutions by scheduling an informal telephone hearing. The deadline to make an appointment is September 8th. Appointments may be scheduled in the following manner:

PHONE: Call toll-free 1 -888-844-4300, 9am-4pm, Monday– Friday. Note: Call center operators taking appointments are not trained nor qualified to discuss home values or assessment data. Informal hearings will be held primarily by phone however, in-person hearings are available on a limited basis and will be held by appointment in Activity Rooms 1 & 2 on the Gorham Recreation side of the Gorham Municipal Center on September 7th, 8th and 9th as needed. If you are unable to attend a hearing by phone or in-person, you may present evidence supporting your opinion of the fair market value of your property to Vision Government Solutions in writing prior to September 12, 2022 end of day.

Letters should be sent to:

I MULTIPLIED MY NEW ASSESSMENT BY THE TAX RATE. IS THIS MY NEW TAX?
No. The new assessment value indicated in your property assessment letter does not include any exemptions or tax credits. Moreover, the tax rate for the 2022-2023 tax year
will not be established until taxes are committed. Multiplying by the current rate will not be a true reflection of your upcoming property tax bill. The new rate will be lower due to a higher town-wide assessed value. 

IS THE REVALUATION AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TOWN TO RAISE ADDITIONAL TAX REVENUE?
No. The revaluation process is revenue neutral. Municipalities do not gain additional tax revenue by increasing the town-wide value of real property. The Town will only assess the taxes necessary to meet annual approved budget expenditures. The revaluation process takes the existing budget and apportions it among property owners with improved equity. 

IS THERE ANY WAY TO REDUCE MY PROPERTY TAXES?
Make sure you are taking advantage of all the programs and assistance available to you. There are several property tax exemptions and assistance programs available to qualifying residents, including the Homestead Exemption, Veterans Exemption, and Senior Tax Assistance Programs. Find more information at: https://www.cumberlandcounty.org/555/Property-Tax-Relief or by stopping by the Assessing office.