Rep. Cleary encourages use of free tax prep services

     AUGUSTA – State Rep. Richard Cleary, D-Houlton, reminded residents about free tax preparation services provided by Eastern Maine CA$H Coalition and AARP Tax-Aide programs.
 CA$H Maine, a collaboration of eight statewide coalitions, is comprised of 50 non-profit and for-profit partners, and AARP Tax-Aide, a program of the AARP Foundation, is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
    Everyone should consider taking advantage of this great opportunity to get help filling out their taxes,” said Cleary. “Getting expert help can mean getting a bigger refund. Mainers could certainly use a little more money in their pockets this year.”
     Last year, CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide helped Maine residents get back more than $13.9 million in federal and state refunds, including $3.62 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.
    “I once volunteered with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) which is a similar program,” said Cleary “We saved people a lot of money, which they really appreciated. It was also a great experience for the volunteers.”  
    Free tax preparation is provided by CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide tax sites throughout the state. It is available to taxpayers with low- and moderate-incomes and gives special attention to people age 60 and older.  Consultations with IRS-certified professionals are available by appointment.
     To find a site in the local area and make an appointment with the Eastern Maine CA$H Coalition, call 941-2800 ext 212. You can also find information at http://www.211maine.org/#CASH2009.