Maine § 5276. - Authority to make credits or refunds

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 5276. — Authority to make credits or refunds, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5276.. Authority to make credits or refunds

1.  General rule.  The State Tax Assessor, within the applicable period of limitations, may credit an overpayment of income tax, including an overpayment reported on a joint return, and interest on the overpayment against any liability arising from a redetermination pursuant to section 6211 or any liability in respect of any tax imposed under this Title owed by the taxpayer, or by the taxpayer's spouse in the case of a joint return. The balance, after any setoff pursuant to section 185‑A or pursuant to an agreement entered into under section 112, subsection 13, must be refunded by the Treasurer of State. For purposes of this subsection, "any tax imposed under this Title" includes monetary restitution ordered to be paid to the bureau as part of a sentence imposed for a violation of this Title or Title 17‑A.

2.  Excessive withholding.  If the amount allowable as a credit for tax withheld from the taxpayer exceeds the tax to which the credit relates, the excess must be considered an overpayment.

3.  Overpayment by withholder.  If there has been an overpayment of tax required to be deducted and withheld under chapter 827, refund must be made to the withholder only to the extent that the amount of the overpayment was not deducted and withheld by the withholder.

4.  Credits against estimated tax.  The assessor may provide for the crediting against the estimated income tax for any taxable year of an overpayment of the income tax for a preceding taxable year.

5.  Assessment and collection after limitation period.  If any amount of income tax is assessed and collected after the expiration of the applicable period of limitations, that amount must be considered an overpayment.

6.  Overpayment by pass-through entity. 

Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 5276.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 5276. cover?

Section 5276. ("Authority to make credits or refunds") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maine § 5276.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 5276." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maine law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.

How does Maine § 5276. apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.