By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
The VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) program will be able to help even more citizens with their tax returns this year, thanks to a $7,500 grant from KeyBank.
“This grant is helping to create the CASH Coalition (creating assets, savings and hope), to assist low-income people with their tax returns. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and fits in with what United Way of Aroostook does in assisting people in need,” said UWA Director Claudia Stevens, who noted UWA served as the facilitator in lining up the grant between KeyBank and the local AARP branch.
Stevens said the CASH program has been in place for several years downstate. Since AARP already has the VITA program here in Aroostook, she thought the program would fit well with local efforts.
“We’ll work with them (AARP/VITA) and add to their program. While people are waiting to get their taxes done, they’ll be offered financial advice,” said Stevens.
“Advice may include discussing college funds for a child and how to go about setting up savings for that or ways to put money away for other needs,” said Steven Gagnon, senior vice president, KeyBank, Presque Isle.
Stevens said she’s working with the organization Women, Work and Community to offer financial advice.
“We’re (UWA) more of the coordinator. The goal is to increase the number of tax returns done by at least 50 over what was done in past years,” Stevens said. “Women, Work and Community staff is working with us to create the financial piece. We’ve hired Pam Palm to help coordinate all this for us.”
Stevens expects the money to last beyond this year.
“We’ll try to make it last as long as we can. The expense is primarily paying someone to coordinate and training tax preparers,” she said. “We’re focusing on central Aroostook but our long-term goal is to expand throughout the county.”
Lowell Glidden, spokesperson for the local AARP chapter, said there’s been interest in other parts of Aroostook.
“We’ve had some interest in the Valley — had contact in Madawaska. But we can’t do paper returns; it’s all electronic. We don’t have the equipment available in that region. Currently we have locations in Caribou and Presque Isle,” said Glidden. “Programs like this are thriving across the country.”
VITA will be offering free tax preparation for low- and middle-income taxpayers, with an emphasis on helping those ages 60 and over, at locations in Caribou and Presque Isle.
“On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., between Feb. 2 and April 12, the VITA program will be offered at the Lions Building, 111 High St., Caribou; and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., between Feb. 4 and April 14, at UMPI’s Campus Center, Room 118, 181 Main St., Presque Isle. Mike Ayer is in charge of the Caribou unit,” said Glidden.
Stevens said senior citizens should consider getting their tax return done, even if they don’t think they owe anything, because they may be entitled to the Earned Income Credit.
“Some people don’t have to file. But if they do, they could get money back through the Earned Income Credit,” said Stevens.
In Maine, approximately 50 KeyBank volunteers help people obtain free tax preparation.
“In 2011, on Super Saturday alone, CASH coalitions in Maine prepared approximately 500 returns and brought back to our state about $1 million in refunds to the individuals and families that need it the most. KeyBank is supporting the eight CASH coalitions in Maine financially, and we also provided volunteers in six out of the eight locations across the state,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon said KeyBank officials are pleased to now be assisting UWA and AARP “to create awareness and enhance the opportunity for low-income individuals and families to have access to free tax preparation, with focus on the often overlooked earned income tax credit.”
“Each year, there is approximately $8 million that goes unclaimed in this program. It is the goal of this effort to help families get the tax credits and deductions they are due,” said Gagnon.
“Key’s return on the investment in this program is significant. For every dollar that we invest, we are bringing back $27 to our communities,” continued Gagnon.
He said this effort is a great program that brings not only the much-needed refunds to those families that need it the most, but brings millions of dollars back into our communities.
“In addition, the CASH Coalition’s efforts to help families make the best possible use of their hard-earned money is a perfect fit with Key’s charitable mission,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon said AARP has been doing tax returns for some time now but this will “take it to the next level.”
“This will also help teach individuals how to establish credit, use credit and put money away for their future,” said Gagnon.
Glidden, who serves as AARP’s district coordinator for tax preparation, said AARP has been operating the program for 44 years nationally.
“We started small. Now we have thousands of volunteers across the country who work free of charge,” said Glidden.
“We thought this would add dimension to the VITA program. It’s a good addition. Before, we only prepared tax returns. Now we can add the dimension of financial education,” said Glidden.
Anyone wanting more information on the VITA program and what services will be available this year is asked to contact the UWA office, 764-5197.
