LEWISTON – The Lewiston Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition welcomes the assistance of individuals who would be interested in helping others prepare their tax forms during the 2006 tax season.

“Take the Money; You’ve Earned It” will be a slogan once again heard during the 2006 tax season, and the coalition is seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for individuals who may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The credit 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. This year, an eligible worker could receive up to $4,400 as a tax credit.

Those interested in volunteering would receive basic tax prep training (12 hours) provided by representatives from the Internal Revenue Service, which would result in each participant being certified in tax preparation upon completion.

Lewiston Mayor Lionel C. Guay Jr. said, “The two-year EITC awareness campaign that has been under way in this community has resulted in over $1 million being returned to low and middle income families. We hope to have even more tax prep volunteers this year so that more individuals and families may benefit from this effort.”

Auburn Mayor Normand Guay echoed his counterpart’s comments, “The Earned Income Tax Credit is a wonderful way that people can put extra dollars into their pockets for the benefit of their families, and we welcome as many volunteers as possible who are willing to assist with the free tax prep program.”

Other volunteer positions that will be available at local free tax prep sites (Multi-Purpose Center, Hillview and an Auburn site) include tax prep site greeters, screeners (basic tax training required) and child care providers.

To volunteer, individuals are asked to contact EITC Site Coordinator KC Geiger at 784-0204 as soon as possible.