Benefiting from filing taxes

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) student Santa Havener did not know she could benefit from filing taxes. Santa knew she did not owe taxes, since her earnings came from a Work Study job on campus. However, a case manager at Augusta Housing urged her to file taxes and find out if she was eligible for a refund. Santa says, “When Scott told me about the CA$H Coalition and how I could get my taxes done for FREE, I was quite relieved. He also told me that, since I have three children, I may be eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).”

The Capital Area CA$H Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site is on campus at UMA, which made it simple for Santa to come in for a tax appointment. She discovered that, as a working mother, she was eligible for EITC and would receive a tax refund. She also learned about matched savings programs she qualifies for.

Getting more than tax help

“By going to the CA$H coalition, I was told about other programs that would be beneficial to my future goals. For example, I learned about the Family Development Account through New Ventures Maine. This program will match my savings 4:1 for the purpose of emergencies (in my case). The volunteers were all very friendly, helpful, and patient. My experience was great and I will continue to use this service in the future.”