FARMINGTON – Free, confidential tax preparation is again available for working families in western Maine who earn less than $50,000 a year.

This is the seventh year of the program, now sponsored by Western Maine CA$H, a community coalition comprised of several service organizations and one business.

IRS-certified volunteers, including some University of Maine at Farmington students, are ready to help people with appointments held at UMF. They help with tax preparation and offer more information to help individuals manage, budget and save toward financial goals, said Janet Smith of Women, Work and Community.

Last year, 182 returns were prepared, representing more than $400,000 in tax refunds and credits along with 65 earned income tax credits amounting to $110,000 for families. That is money that has come back to Franklin County, Smith said.

The volunteers are trained to help individuals claim all the benefits they deserve, including the earned income tax credit where one may qualify for up to $4,824, and the child and dependent care tax credit, Smith said.

The program continues to grow. In 2007, 135 returns were prepared, she told some members of the coalition who gathered and Sen. Walter Gooley, R-Farmington, Rep. Thomas Saviello, U-Wilton and Rep. Paul Gilbert, D-Jay, invited to kick off this year’s program.

“It’s an excellent program with trained volunteers who offer confidentiality at no charge. I’d recommend this for anyone,” Gilbert said. He previously served as a community volunteer for the program.

The program helps people get more money back to keep and spend within the community, said Becky Allen Davis of Bangor Savings Bank, the one business involved in the coalition.

“Financially independent people support local business and if businesses are healthy then the community is healthy,” she said, citing one reason she’s involved.

Approximately 15 to 20 university students participate even after receiving course credit.

“It’s a way for them to connect with people and give back to the community,” said Frank Engert, professor of business at UMF.

Deb Auch, a jewelry designer from Strong, told coalition members Thursday how seeking help with tax preparation led her to attend other programs offered by some of the coalition’s service organizations. The programs offered her help expanding her 20-year business.

The free tax preparation program is supported by the Casey Family Services, an agency of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a national organization that makes grants to communities for programs that help disadvantaged children and families.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for help with tax preparation, people may call 778-7954 and leave a message. A volunteer will return the call and explain what forms need to be brought to the appointment, Engert said.