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MaineLD 1876132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Change the Name and Duties of the Taxpayer Advocate to Increase the Use of State Tax Credits

Sponsored By: Flavia DeBrito (Democratic)

Became Law

INCOME TAXINCOME TAX - CREDITS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger taxpayer advocate and faster fixes

The state renames the Taxpayer Advocate to the Taxpayer Advocate and Experience Officer. The officer is hired by the commissioner and is independent of the State Tax Assessor. The officer helps taxpayers solve problems, explains state tax benefit programs, and suggests fixes. Starting in 2026, the officer files an annual report by January 15. The State Tax Assessor must answer the officer’s recommendations within three months. The law does not add positions or funding for this role.

One-time funding for free tax help

The state provides a one-time $50,000 in fiscal year 2026-27 to New Ventures Maine to support free tax help. The State Controller must transfer the $50,000 by June 30, 2027. The money supports about 50 groups that offer free filing help and financial education to low-income families. By December 1, 2027, the university chancellor must report how the funds were used and how many people were helped.

Study to boost state tax credits

The taxpayer advocate studies how often eligible people claim Maine tax credits. The study finds barriers and reviews large tax-prep firms, the Maine Tax Portal, and town practices. A report with recommendations is due to the tax committee by November 4, 2026. The committee may draft related laws for the 2027 session.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Flavia DeBrito

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Lee

    Democratic • House

  • Ambureen Rana

    Democratic • House

  • Ann Matlack

    Democratic • House

  • Bruce Bickford

    Republican • Senate

  • Drew Gattine

    Democratic • House

  • Gary Friedmann

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph M. Baldacci

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

  • Russell White

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 486

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/25/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/25/2025House

  4. The House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-482) thereto.ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/25/2025House

  5. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table On motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) was ADOPTED. On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-482) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-482) thereto ADOPTED. PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-482) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE. Sent down for concurrence.

    6/25/2025Senate

  6. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.

    6/18/2025Senate

  7. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/18/2025House

  8. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-760) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-760), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/17/2025Senate

  9. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-760).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  10. Received by the Clerk of the House on May 1, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TAXATION pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    5/1/2025House

Bill Text

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