Here is what Mainers need to know about the $850 relief checks coming in June

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The state has created a website to help Mainers collect their $850 relief checks included in a $1.2 billion supplemental budget signed by the governor last week.

The website aims to answer commonly asked questions surrounding eligibility, timing of checks and filing taxes.

"We want to make sure that every eligible person is able to receive this assistance, and we are hopeful that this website can help accomplish that by answering some of the most common questions Maine people may have,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement.

The money comprises more than half of the $1.2 billion budget. Mills proposed returning much of the money to Mainers as a historic surplus ballooned thanks to federal spending and rosier-than-expected revenue forecasts.

The checks will be mailed to more than 850,000 individuals, but filing an income tax return is a prerequisite. The state is giving late-filers until Oct. 31 to submit their tax returns.

Income limits for the payments are $100,000 for an individual or married filing separately; up to $150,000 for head of household; and $200,000 for couples filing jointly.

More on the budget: Lawmakers approve budget with $850 checks for most Mainers

The first round of checks will go out in June, and additional checks will roll out through the end of the year.

Who is eligible for $850?

An estimated 858,000 Maine people will receive these payments.

To be eligible, individuals must file a 2021 Maine individual income tax return by October 31, 2022 as a full-time Maine resident.

Judge: Portion of Maine beach intertidal zone access suit allowed to move forward

Those eligible must not be claimed as a dependent, and must have a federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) of less than:

- $100,000 if filing single or if married and filing separately;

- $150,000 if filing as head of household;

- $200,000 for couples filing jointly.

Can I still claim $850 if I didn't files taxes?

Yes. Even though the 2021 Maine individual income tax filing deadline has passed, people will still be able to file through October 31, 2022, to claim their $850 relief checks.

For assistance in identifying free tax help, Maine taxpayers may visit www.cashmaine.org, call 2-1-1, or visit 211maine.org.

Will retirees be eligible for the $850?

The $850 relief payments are available to retirees, and/or to those who receive social security and/or supplemental security income (SSI), so long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.

'Incredible all around': Eliot kindergartener calls police, saves father during emergency

When will I receive my $850?

In order to get these funds into Mainers’ hands as quickly as possible, the first round of relief checks will be mailed in June 2022 – and will be delivered on a rolling basis through the end of the year as returns are received.

Eligibility for the $850 Relief Payment is based upon the 2021 Maine individual income tax return. Maine residents have until October 31, 2022 to file their Maine individual income tax return.

How will I receive my $850?

Relief checks will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service to the address provided on your 2021 Maine individual income tax return, and will be redirected to any forwarding addresses filed with the U.S. Postal Service.

Kittery, Maine 375th: William Dean Howells, Kittery's Literary Lion

For more information about updating mailing addresses and/or lost or stolen payments, contact Maine Revenue Services at (207) 624-9924.

What other relief is available?

The Mills Administration is encouraging Maine people to carefully examine their eligibility for up to $1,400 in additional tax relief available per person this filing season, thanks to laws already enacted specifically aimed at supporting low- and middle-income Maine families. Learn more about the Homestead Exemption Program, and consider claiming the State Property Tax Fairness Credit, the Maine Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Sales Tax Fairness Credit.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine $850 relief check coming in June: What you need to know