2 months ago
AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine's eight regional CA$H Coalitions are pulling out all the stops to make sure Mainers are aware of all their refund options when they are filing their state and federal taxes.
"We are all working to help low and moderate income working families and individuals make the most of their money by getting their taxes prepared for free," declared Nicole Evans of the Greater Portland CA$H Coalition at the groups kick-off event in the Hall of Flags in the Statehouse.
The CA$H Coalitions, which are comprised of volunteers and service organization members, are focusing their efforts on making sure people who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) file for the refund when they prepare their taxes. According the the Internal Revenue Service, nearly 20% of people who are eligible for the program do not file for the refund.
"A lot of people may not realize that it is available for people," said Peggy Riley, a spokesperson for the IRS. "They may not realize that they qualify for it, and because income levels are going to be a lot lower this year, many more people will probably qualify."
Last year the Maine CA$H Coalitions helped more than 3,000 Mainers file their taxes generating $4.8 million in state and federal tax refunds. They hope to help even more people this year.
"Families are hurting throughout the state of Maine," said Mark Millar, Maine Division Director for Casey Family Services. "At this time of year, this EITC can help put needed dollars back into their pockets and back into the communities in which they live."
To be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit you must have worked in 2009 and have a household income of $48,000 or less. There will be free tax preparation clinics beginning as early as this week and running until the filing deadline of April 15th in communities across the state. If you would like to find out more information about the program - and to find a free tax clinic near you - click here.
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