By Emma Bouthillette 

Staff Writer

If you are a homeowner in Kennebunkport and have recently received a letter from Key Financial Corp. regarding a tax lien, town officials are advising it is not generated from town government.

“It appears this company is mining available information out there and looked at the town to see what tax liens have been applied,” said Kennebunkport Town Manager Larry Mead. “It is not affiliated with the town, and we are telling residents to exercise their own care.”

The letter addressed to homeowners states, “There is a current record showing a possible tax lien on your property. Each town and homeowner differs by payment schedule so this could mean nothing more than you pay your taxes once a year and the town is mistaken. However if that is not the case and you are not in the position to pay these taxes and would like to be, please let me take a moment of your time so I can easily explain how I am able to do this. Please remember that all calls and information on this subject will remain confidential.”

A tax lien is a legal document towns file if property or other tax payment are late or not received, Mead said.

He said it is to ensure the town receives money due should the property be sold. 

The letter continues, “Through this opportunity you also have the benefit of taking advantage of historic low rates which the government has taken tremendous action to lower so we encourage a call even if your tax bill has been recently paid. It’s worth a few minutes or your time to find out just how much you can benefit by possibly lowering your rate and payment.” 

The letter concludes with listing options such as postponing or lowering payments, receiving possible cash or lowering rates. 

Mead said when the town contacted the company, “they basically said they were offering to assist people with their bills.” Mead said that is not an illegal process.

Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.