How to File Your Maine Tax Return 2013: Step-by-Step Guide

Every year, thousands of taxpayers in Maine miss out on refunds simply because they file late or make simple mistakes. In 2013, a paper-filed state return could take over 8 weeks to process, while an electronically filed return was often completed in 30 days or less. That delay means waiting longer for money that could have gone toward bills, savings, or everyday expenses.

Filing your Maine state tax return for 2013 might initially seem overwhelming, especially with the number of forms, deadlines, and requirements. But understanding who needs to file, what documents to gather, and how to prepare your forms will save you stress. More importantly, it can prevent costly errors that lead to delayed refunds, penalties, or interest charges.

This guide will walk you through how to file your Maine tax return 2013 step by step. We will cover who is required to file, which forms you need, how to calculate income and deductions, and the options available for filing and payment. Whether you are a Maine resident, a part-year resident, or filing as a nonresident, this article will give you the clarity and confidence to file correctly and on time.

Who Needs to File a Maine Tax Return for 2013

Not everyone living in Maine during 2013 was required to submit a state return. Filing depends on your residency status, your level of taxable income, and whether you had Maine-source income. Understanding these rules is crucial because filing when required avoids penalties and ensures you claim any refund owed to you.

1. Maine Residents

A full-year Maine resident must file a state income tax return if required to file a federal return. Even if no federal return was required, residents still need to file in Maine if they had income that created a Maine tax liability.

2. Nonresidents and “Safe Harbor” Residents

Nonresidents and “Safe Harbor” residents who earned Maine-source income must file if that income resulted in a Maine tax liability. Safe Harbor applies when Maine was your domicile, but you maintained a permanent home outside the state and spent no more than 30 days in Maine during the year.

3. Filing Exceptions

Some taxpayers are not required to file if their Maine taxable income was less than the combined total of:

The Maine standard deduction
The personal exemption amount
An additional amount tied to filing status

4. Why Filing Still Matters

Even if you are not legally required to file, you should submit a Maine return to claim a tax refund. For example, if your employer withheld Maine income taxes from your paycheck, you cannot get that money back unless you file.

2013 Filing Thresholds by Status

Single: $6,100 standard deduction + $3,900 personal exemption + $5,200 additional = $15,200 total
Married Filing Jointly: $10,150 standard deduction + $7,800 personal exemption + $10,450 additional = $28,400 total
Married Filing Separately: $5,075 standard deduction + $3,900 personal exemption + $5,200 additional = $14,175 total
Head of Household: $8,950 standard deduction + $3,900 personal exemption + $7,850 additional = $20,700 total

Key Forms and Documents You Will Need

Before you prepare your state return, gather all the forms and paperwork that Maine Revenue Services requires. Preparation of everything will prevent delays, reduce mistakes, and make the process smoother.

1. Primary Form

Form 1040ME: This is the primary income tax return for Maine. It is used by residents, part-year nonresidents, and Safe Harbor residents.

2. Supporting Schedules

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

Schedule 1: Income modifications.
Schedule 2: Itemized deductions if you choose not to take the standard deduction.
Schedule A: Tax credits such as child care or educational credits.
Schedule NR or NRH: This is for part-year, nonresidents, and Safe Harbor residents.
Schedule PTFC: Property Tax Fairness Credit, available to eligible taxpayers who paid property taxes or rent in 2013.

3. Required Documents

You will also need documents to verify your income and deductions:

W-2s from each employer.
1099 forms for income such as interest, dividends, or retirement distributions.
A copy of your completed federal return.
Records of property taxes or rent paid if claiming the Property Tax Fairness Credit.
Receipts for itemized deductions such as charitable contributions or medical expenses.
Documentation for dependent children if you are claiming exemptions or credits.

Why Preparation Matters

Collecting your documents before you start will make filing faster and easier. Missing paperwork can delay your refund or force you to file an amended return later. Treat these forms as crucial financial documents that protect you from costly mistakes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Maine State Return

Filing your Maine state return for tax year 2013 requires careful attention to detail. By following each step, you can avoid costly mistakes, claim all eligible credits, and reduce the risk of delays.

Step 1: Determine Your Residency Status

Full-Year Resident: Maine was your legal home all year, or you lived in Maine for more than 183 days.
Part-Year Resident: You moved into or out of Maine during the year.
Nonresident: You lived outside Maine but had Maine-source income.
Safe Harbor Resident: Maine was your domicile, but you maintained a home outside the state and spent no more than 30 days in Maine.

Your residency status determines which schedules you must attach and whether you must submit a copy of your federal return.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

W-2s and 1099s showing income earned in 2013.
Copy of your federal return, since your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is the starting point for your Maine income tax return.
Receipts or statements for deductible expenses such as charitable donations or education costs.
Proof of property taxes or rent paid if claiming the Property Tax Fairness Credit (Schedule PTFC).

Step 3: Fill Out Form 1040ME

Personal Information: Enter names, Social Security numbers, and addresses. Select your filing status.
Adjusted Gross Income: Start with your federal AGI from your IRS return. Add or subtract income modifications using Schedule 1.
Deductions: Choose between the Maine standard or itemized deductions (Schedule 2). Select whichever provides the larger benefit.
Personal Exemptions: Multiply the exemption amount by the number of exemptions you claim, including dependent children.
Taxable Income: Subtract deductions and exemptions from your AGI.
Tax Calculation: Use Maine’s tax tables or rate schedules to determine your state income tax.

Step 4: Apply Credits

Credits reduce the amount of tax you owe:

Property Tax Fairness Credit: This is for eligible taxpayers who paid property taxes or rent.
Earned Income Tax Credit: Modeled on the federal credit, available if you qualify under income limits.
Other Credits: Educational or child care credits, reported on Schedule A.

Applying credits correctly is one of the easiest ways to reduce your tax liability or increase your refund.

Step 5: Calculate Refund or Amount Owed

If your total payments (withholding, estimated taxes, and refundable credits) exceed your tax liability, you qualify for a refund.
If your total payments are less, you owe taxes. This amount must be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties and interest.

Step 6: Finalize and Sign the Return

Provide direct deposit details if you expect a refund and want faster payment.
Sign and date the return. If married filing jointly, both spouses must sign.
Double-check Social Security numbers, math calculations, and attached schedules before submission.

Refund Timelines by Filing Method

Electronic Filing (e-file): About 30 days
Paper Filing: 8 weeks or more

E-filing reduces errors, shortens refund timelines, and provides confirmation of receipt.

Step 7: Submit Your Return

If filing electronically, use approved software or direct file through Maine Revenue Services.
If mailing paper forms, use the correct P.O. Box depending on whether you expect a refund or submit a payment.

Filing Methods and Deadlines

Knowing when and how to file your Maine state return for 2013 is as important as filling out the forms correctly. Missing the deadline can lead to interest, penalties, and delays in receiving any refund owed to you.

Filing Deadline

The original due date for Maine state returns was Tuesday, April 15, 2014, the same as the federal return deadline.
Maine automatically grants the same extension if you file for a federal extension. However, you still needed to pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

1. Electronic Filing (E-file or Direct File)

Maine Revenue Services encouraged taxpayers to file electronically.
Advantages include faster processing, reduced error rates, and refunds in about 30 days.
Direct deposit is available for refunds, speeding up access to funds.

2. Paper Filing

For those who used paper forms, Maine required mailing to different addresses depending on refund status:

Expecting a Refund:
Maine Revenue Services
P.O. Box 1066
Augusta, ME 04332-1066
No Refund or Payment Due:
Maine Revenue Services
P.O. Box 1067
Augusta, ME 04332-1067

Paper filing often meant waiting 8 weeks or longer for refunds, which made it the slower option.

Filing Late

Filing after the due date could trigger a failure-to-file penalty and interest on unpaid taxes.
Even if you could not pay in full, submitting your return on time helped you avoid the higher penalties for late filing.
Filing late also delayed refunds, sometimes by several months.

Meeting the deadline prevents penalties and ensures you receive your refund quickly. Taxpayers who waited risked losing money through fines and delays, while those who filed early gained peace of mind and faster access to refunds.

Making Payments and Handling Refunds

Once you complete your Maine income tax return for 2013, the next step is to pay the balance due or receive your refund. Handling this part correctly is essential because unpaid balances lead to interest charges and penalties, while filing errors can delay much-needed funds.

Payment Methods Available

Electronic Payments: Maine Revenue Services provided Maine EZ Pay, a secure online service where taxpayers could pay taxes directly from a bank account. This option was free, fast, and offered confirmation of submission.
Check or Money Order: Payments could also be mailed with paper forms. Checks must be made payable to “Treasurer, State of Maine” and should not be stapled or taped to the return. Never mail cash.
Payment Plans: If you cannot pay the full amount owed, you can request a payment plan directly on your return. Maine Revenue Services will then contact you to prepare a schedule.

Interest and Penalties

Interest began to accrue on unpaid taxes starting from the original due date, even if you had filed for an extension.
Penalties were assessed for filing late and for failing to pay on time. Filing your return by the deadline helped avoid the higher failure-to-file penalty, even if you could only pay part of the balance.

Refunds and Processing Timelines

Taxpayers who overpaid or qualified for refundable credits could expect a refund.
Refunds were fastest for those who filed electronically and selected direct deposit, usually arriving within 30 days. Paper returns often took 8 weeks or longer.
To track a refund, you needed your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return. You entered this information into the Maine Revenue Services online system.

Claiming Credits and Receiving Maximum Amounts

Filing correctly ensured you received the maximum refundable credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Property Tax Fairness Credit (Schedule PTFC).
Eligible taxpayers with dependent children or disability income could often claim additional credits that reduce tax liability or increase refunds.
Taxpayers who failed to claim these credits risked leaving money uncollected. Consulting tax professionals was often recommended if you were unsure which credits applied to your situation.

Paying on time avoids penalties, while claiming all credits guarantees you receive the maximum funds available. Many taxpayers lose money simply because they forget to claim a credit or submit their payment late. Treat your state return as more than a form; it is a financial opportunity to protect your money and secure what you are owed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most careful taxpayers make errors on their state returns. These mistakes can delay refunds, trigger penalties, or create unnecessary stress. Here are some of the most common problems to watch out for when filing your Maine income tax return for the 2013 tax year.

Forgetting to Sign the Return: Unsigned returns are not valid. If you are married and filing jointly, both spouses must sign. Without signatures, Maine Revenue Services cannot process the return.
Using the Wrong Residency Status: Filing under the wrong status can cause errors in deductions and credits. Always review whether you qualify as a full-year, part-year, nonresident, or Safe Harbor resident.
Math and Calculation Errors: Many delays come from miscalculating adjusted gross income, deductions, or tax credits. Double-check all figures and confirm that your totals match the amounts on your federal return.
Missing Required Attachments: Forgetting to include W-2s, 1099s, or a copy of your federal return can lead to processing delays. Part-year residents and nonresidents must also attach Schedule NR or NRH.
Incorrect Banking Information: When selecting direct deposit for a refund, entering the wrong routing or account number can cause significant delays or even prevent payment.
Filing Late: Missing the original due date increases the risk of penalties and interest charges. Even if you owe taxes and cannot pay the full amount, submit your return on time to avoid larger penalties.

Final Filing Checklist

Review this checklist for a few minutes before you mail or submit your Maine state return for the 2013 tax year. It can help you avoid penalties, protect your refund, and ensure your state return is complete.

Required Items

Signed and dated return: Both spouses must sign if filing jointly.
All income documents attached: Include W-2s, 1099s, and other employer statements.
Federal return included: Required for part-year residents and nonresidents.
Correct schedules: Attach Schedule PTFC if you claim the Property Tax Fairness Credit or other credits, such as Schedule A.
Payment enclosed if you owe taxes: Make checks or money orders payable to “Treasurer, State of Maine.” Do not send cash.

Optional Items

Bank details for direct deposit: This speeds up your refund compared to a paper check.
Copies for your records: Always keep a full copy of your forms and receipts for tax years prior in case questions arise later.
Postmark verification: If mailing, ensure the postmark date is on or before the original due date.

Double-Check Before Submission

Math accuracy: Confirm adjusted gross income, deductions, and credits totals.
Social Security numbers: Ensure all are correct and legible.
Address updates: Use your current address to process refunds.
Residency and filing status: Must match your federal return.

Completing this checklist before you prepare the envelope or press the e-file button gives you peace of mind. Many taxpayers lose money or wait longer for refunds simply because of avoidable oversights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Property Tax Fairness Credit, and who can claim it?

The Property Tax Fairness Credit was designed to help eligible Maine residents offset the cost of property taxes or rent paid during the tax season. You had to meet income limits and file a complete state return to qualify. The credit was claimed using Schedule PTFC and could increase your refund or reduce what you owe on your income tax return.

How does Maine Revenue Services handle late-filed income tax returns?

Maine Revenue Services still accepts late-filed returns, but penalties and interest may apply if you owe taxes. Filing late often delays your tax refund, sometimes by months, especially if you submit paper forms. Even during a busy tax season, filing as soon as possible is always better. Doing so ensures you can still claim refundable credits like the Property Tax Fairness Credit.

Can I claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Property Tax Fairness Credit?

Yes, qualified Maine taxpayers could claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the state Property Tax Fairness Credit. These tax credits serve different purposes: one helps working families with low to moderate income, while the other offsets property taxes or rent. Filing all required forms during tax season ensures you maximize your refund or reduce the balance you owe on your income tax return.

How do tax credits affect my Maine income tax return?

Tax credits directly reduce the amount of income tax you owe. Maine allowed the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Property Tax Fairness Credit. Some credits were refundable, meaning they could generate a tax refund even if your liability was zero. Filing with the correct forms during tax season ensures you do not miss out on these opportunities to lower your taxes or increase your refund.

How can I track my Maine tax refund after filing my income tax return?

After submitting your state return, you can check the status of your refund through the Maine Revenue Services website. Processing times depended on whether you filed electronically or on paper. Electronic returns were usually processed in about 30 days, while paper forms could take eight weeks or longer. During peak tax season, processing times could stretch further, so filing early helped ensure faster refunds and accurate application of credits.