This year it is more important than ever to prepare accurate income tax returns. A new law requires the IRS to delay issuing refunds for certain taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15. The law has no exceptions and is designed to make it easier for the IRS to find and stop fraud.

CA$H Maine is one of over 12,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the country that the IRS relies on to help people file their taxes every year, completely free of charge.  In 2016 alone, our IRS certified volunteers helped over 5,000 individuals in the Maine qualify for and keep 100% of their refunds—over $6,000,000 without worrying about hidden fees or unexpected charges.

“For 15 years, CA$H Maine has helped individuals and families get their maximum refund that they use on necessities, like paying bills, paying down debt, making new purchases, and saving,” said Janet Smith, statewide CA$H Maine Financial Capability Coordinator and New Ventures Maine Regional Manager. “We are dedicated to helping as many community members as we can.  We encourage taxpayers to be wary of preparers promising faster refunds through expensive financial products, like loans.”

The volunteer tax preparers at CA$H Maine free tax preparation sites go through extensive training and are certified by the IRS.  We make sure our customers get high-quality, professional service by trained volunteers who are equipped to identify tax refund opportunities for customers.    Our goal is to help our customers get their maximum refund and claim all the credits that they have earned.

“The process was easy and well managed. My taxes are pretty basic, but this program was able to help me with a few more complicated aspects of my taxes. I was able to use the money I saved towards other important things, like my family.” Alison, first time user of Western Maine CA$H Coalition’s free tax preparation program in 2016.

Find a CA$H Maine tax site near you for free and high quality tax preparation services!