WILTON – Casey Family services in Portland, a division of Annie Casey Foundation, will sponsor a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in conjunction with Western Maine Community Action.

The program will provide tax assistance to families who qualify for the earned income tax credit. Not all eligible households take advantage of the benefit.

The credit could help families with two or more children that earned less than $33,692 in 2003 get up to $4,204 as a tax refund. Families with one child that earned less than $29,666 could expect a refund of up to $2,547. Individuals earning less than $11,230 with no children and who are between the ages of 25 and 65, could receive up to $382.

Besides the VITA Program, families can also take advantage of family development accounts offered to people who want to save money in order to buy a house, pay for education, or start or expand a small business.

Families and individuals will have an opportunity to take a financial management class, learning ways to save and manage money. The family development accounts match every dollar a family saves with two dollars from public investors.

For people interested in participating in the program as a volunteer tax preparer, training is offered.

People who would like to use the program to receive a tax credit should contact Dawn Girardin at 645-3764, ext. 5258.

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