Local IRS-Certified volunteers at last year’s tax site assist individuals with their taxes as part the Western Maine CA$H Coalition. This year free taxes will once again be prepared at 301 Roberts Learning Center on the University of Maine at Farmington campus.

Western Maine CA$H Coalition Offers Free Tax Preparation in Greater Franklin County and Helps Move Individuals from Financial Insecurity to Financial Security.

The Western Maine CA$H Coalition (WMCC) is celebrating its 14th anniversary of free tax preparation by IRS-certified local community volunteers. WMCC is one of ten coalitions in Maine. There are more than 50 non-profit and for-profit partners involved with the coalitions. These coalitions offer free tax preparation as well as empowerment of Maine individuals and families with financial knowhow, to keep and grow resources and financial assets, and in turn, climb the economic ladder for long-term stability.

Last year CA$H Maine assisted nearly 5,000 Maine households with free tax preparation and access to resources which helped them save money and make the most of it. More than $7 million in federal refunds were brought in to those who participated in the free tax preparation through CA$H Maine.

Volunteer preparers are trained to look for individuals that will qualify for federal tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. $2.5 million in EITC refunds were received last year by those individuals which were eligible to participants in the free tax preparation sessions made possible by CA$H Maine.

In Greater Franklin County, free tax preparation for eligible filers (those with a household income of $54,000 or below) begins on January 21, 2016 and runs through March 26, 2016.

The tax site will be open on Thursdays from 5:30-8pm and on Saturdays from 9am-12pm on the third floor of Roberts Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. While walk-ins will be served as time permits, please schedule an appointment to ensure tax preparer availability.

Please call 207-778-7954 to make an appointment.

Western Maine CA$H Coalition members and supporters include: The University of Maine at Farmington; United Way of the Tri-Valley Area; Bangor Savings Bank; New Ventures Maine; Western Maine Community Action; Key Bank, Franklin Savings Bank, the Internal Revenue Service, community members, and the John T. Gorman Foundation.