The LA Tax Credit Awareness Coalition celebrated National EITC Awareness Day in Augusta with special guest Gov. John Baldacci. From left are Jill Lorom, Coastal Enterprises; regional representative for Sen. Olympia Snowe, Diane Jackson; Laurie McDonnell, Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community; Head Start’s Chris Adler, coalition co-chair; city of Lewiston’s Dottie Perham-Whittier, coalition co-chair; Hillary Verrill, Empower Lewiston; and Baldacci.

Tax credit coalition marks national day

LEWISTON – Members of the Lewiston-Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition celebrated National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day in the Hall of Flags in Augusta on Jan. 31, with special guest Gov. John E. Baldacci.

Several coalitions across the state were on hand to spread the word that the EITC is the largest anti-poverty initiative of the federal government, that it can be a step toward prosperity, and that free income tax preparation sites are available locally and are manned by IRS-certified volunteers.

Baldacci commended the LA Coalition for bringing nearly $4 million back into the community since its efforts began in 2004. He also urged legislators to work with EITC advocates in their districts to further spread the word of the opportunity for eligible low-to-moderate income workers – particularly since it is estimated that 20 percent of those eligible are not applying for the tax credit. The EITC for a filed 2007 federal return can be as high as $4,716.

The United States Conference of Mayors “Dollar Wise” program was also highlighted by the LA Coalition, as it goes hand-in-hand with community partners’ efforts to enhance asset-building and financial literacy for area families.

For additional information on the EITC and tax prep sites, residents may visit www.ci.lewiston.me.us, go to Special Notices, click on “Take the Money; You’ve Earned It” link.