LEWISTON — The Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition recently learned that it will receive $6,975 as part of a national Internal Revenue Service grant to Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs.

This is the second year in a row that the L-A coalition, along with other Maine CA$H coalitions, have collaboratively and successfully applied for the VITA grant. Coalition partner Volunteers of America New England served as coordinator for all Maine grant information submitted.

Since 2004, the Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition has advocated the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-moderate income workers, provided free tax preparation/e-filing annually by IRS certified volunteers and connected individuals to financial education and asset-building opportunities.

During the last six tax seasons, the L-A coalition’s efforts have resulted in $7,934,674 in Federal/State refunds being returned to the Lewiston-Auburn area community. Last year alone, the coalition provided service to 1,194 individuals. The 2009 tax season also resulted in 584 individuals requesting follow-up financial education assistance.

Lewiston’s Acting City Administrator Phil Nadeau said, “I’m proud of the success this Coalition continues to achieve, especially in these current economic times. Families and individuals who utilize the EITC and the free tax preparation as steps towards prosperity have been positively impacted, and additional funding to continue this important outreach is very encouraging.”