MEXICO — Residents who need help filing their federal and state income taxes can get it at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology beginning on Feb. 4.

Families with incomes of $50,000 or less are eligible to receive assistance under the Western Maine CA$H Coalition program. It is away to assure that those who qualify get the federal earned income credit.

“There’s a tremendous need. Oxford County is very low in reporting the earned income credit,” said Nancy Allen, Region 9 director of adult and community education.

Those seeking help must call Jason Rowe, a computer instructor for the adult education program, at 491-7475 to make an appointment. About an hour should be set aside for the work.

Hours are Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, and March 4; and Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5.

In addition to the tax filing assistance, Allen said the adult education program is offering two classes to help people make better use of their money. One is for one night and the other class runs six nights. Both will be offered in March at dates to be announced. Anyone who takes advantage of the tax filing program will be encouraged to take one or both of the classes.

Four people who have been trained by Billi Putnam in IRS tax work will offer the assistance. Putnam, an educational technician at Region 9, had previously worked in a Farmington Western Maine CA$H Coalition program.

The program is funded through a Volunteers in Tax Assistance grant written by the Oxford County United Way.
Help on taxes and the money management classes are offered at no cost to participants.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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