FARMINGTON — The Western Maine CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Coalition is kicking off its 9th annual free tax preparation program.

The kickoff  takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Bangor Savings Bank on Main Street.

Prior to the kickoff, tax preparation appointments will begin Jan. 27 and continue through March 26. They are scheduled Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on the third floor of Roberts Learning Center on the University of Maine at Farmington campus.

During the kickoff, remarks on how the CA$H Coalition makes a difference in Greater Franklin County will be offered by Becky Davis-Allen of Bangor Savings, a member of the CA$H Coalition, Tess Armstrong with the Internal Revenue Service and consumers who have benefited from the service. Free refreshments will also be served.

In addition to fee-tax preparation, Coalition volunteers also connect people to community resources using the message “earn it, keep it, grow it.”

Community tax preparers undergo a rigorous training to be able to help individuals claim all the benefits they deserve, including the Earned Income Tax Credit where one may qualify for up to $5,666, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. The Western Maine CA$H Coalition Tax Assistance Program assists working families earning less than $50,000 to achieve their financial goals.

For more information on free tax preparation, qualifying for benefits and connecting to community resources, call 1-207-778-7954.

The Western Maine CA$H Coalition is part of a statewide network of eight community-based programs that offer free tax preparation and asset-building services to low- and moderate-income workers and their families. The 40-plus nonprofit and for-profit members and IRS certified volunteers collaborate to help hard-working Maine families move from financial uncertainty to financial security.

Western Maine CA$H Coalition members include: The University of Maine, Farmington; Casey Family Services; United Way of the Tri-Valley Area; Bangor Savings Bank; The Annie E. Casey Foundation; Women, Work & Community; and the Internal Revenue Service.