The Lewiston-Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition has been recently formed to better educate residents as to tax credit opportunities with a special focus on the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The EITC is a federal tax benefit to help low and moderate income workers increase their financial stability. It is intended to reduce the tax burden on those workers; supplement wages; and assist in the welfare-to-work transition.

The federal credit can substantially enhance economic health within a community. Based on 2000 statistics, $5.5 million went back into the Twin Cities community through recipients of the tax credit. However, another $1.38 million did not, representing approximately 892 potential EITC recipients within Lewiston-Auburn.

The coalition’s goal, with a slogan of “Working Towards a Brighter Future,” is to raise awareness of the tax credit; recruit individuals who would be willing to provide free tax preparation; establish tax preparation training for those volunteers; secure tax preparation sites; and provide an opportunity for eligible individuals to participate in asset building training to encourage positive financial choices when EITC monies are received.

Representatives from the following entities have been participating in the coalition meetings: cities of Lewiston and Auburn; Coastal Enterprises; Lewiston Adult Education; Casey Family Services; Community Concepts; Portland & Lewiston Refugee Collaborative; Faithworks; the Career Center; Pine Tree Legal Assistance; American Association of Retired Persons; Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments; and the United Somali Women of Maine.

Gearing up for the next tax season, the coalition is seeking additional partners to assist with the awareness effort. Those within the community who would like to learn more about the goals of the L-A Tax Credit Awareness Coalition are welcome to attend the next meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. June 26 in the second-floor Council Chambers at Auburn City Building, 45 Spring St.

For additional information, individuals may contact either Auburn Councilor Belinda Gerry at 786-2421 or Lewiston’s Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier at 784-2951, ext. 110.