FARMINGTON — A tax preparation site sponsored by the Western Maine CA$H Coalition began on Thursday, Jan. 24, and will continue until Saturday, March 23. In less than 30 days of being open for business nearly 150 tax returns have been prepared and filed by IRS certified volunteer tax preparers. There is no charge for the service.

The tax site is open on Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on the third floor of Roberts Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. While walk-ins will be served as time permits, participants should schedule an appointment to ensure tax preparer availability. Call 207-491-4259 to make an appointment.

WMCC is one of 10 coalitions throughout the state. There are more than 50 nonprofit and for-profit partners involved with the coalitions. Coalitions provide free tax preparation as well as resources to help empower individuals and families in Maine with financial capability to keep and grow their resources and financial assets and climb up the economic ladder for long-term stability.

Last year CA$H Maine helped nearly 4,000 Maine households prepare taxes and access resources to help them save money and make the most out of it. More than $6 million in federal refunds were brought in to those that received free tax preparation through CA$H Maine.

Tax preparing volunteers receive training to become certified by the IRS and make sure that they are offering all eligible tax credits. Volunteers are trained to look for individuals that qualify for federal tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. EITC refunds totalling $1.9 million were received last year by eligible individuals who participated in CA$H Maine’s free tax preparation sessions.

For more information on how to become involved as a volunteer, or resources available, call 207-778-2757.