FARMINGTON — The Western Maine CA$H Coalition will kick off its 11th annual tax preparation season from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Bangor Savings Bank on Main Street.

Refreshments will be available while coalition representatives, legislators and community members talk about the positive impact of CA$H Maine on Greater Franklin County.

Last year, CA$H Maine helped nearly 4,000 Maine households prepare taxes and access resources. More than $6 million in federal refunds were brought in to those who received free tax preparation through CA$H Maine.

Volunteer tax preparers receive training to become certified by the IRS.

“We have benefited tremendously from this program,” said Marie Hinkley, who has used the service for five years. “Before participating in the tax program my husband and I would rely on family and/or friends to prepare our tax returns.”

The tax program also provided information on other services available, including the Family Development Account Program, which allowed her to go to school and receive her degree, she said.

In Franklin County, free tax preparation begins Thursday, Jan. 24. Appointments continue until March 23.

The tax site is open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays on the third floor of Roberts Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington.

While walk-ins will be served as time permits, people are asked to schedule an appointment to ensure tax preparer availability. Call 207-491-4259 to make an appointment.

For more information call 778-2757.

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

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