CA$H Maine is one of over 12,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the country that the IRS relies on to help people file their taxes every year, completely free of charge. In 2016 alone, our IRS certified volunteers helped over 5,000 individuals in the Maine qualify for and keep 100% of their refunds, over $6,000,000, without worrying about hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Who can get free tax prep? Generally, if your household income was less than $54,000 in 2016, you qualify to have your taxes prepared and e-filed for free.

High Quality Service. The volunteer tax preparers at CA$H Maine free tax preparation sites go through extensive training and are certified by the IRS. We make sure our customers get high-quality, professional service by trained volunteers who are equipped to identify tax refund opportunities for customers. Our goal is to help our customers get their maximum refund and claim all the credits that they have earned.

More than Tax Filing Help.  Tax season can be a great time to start saving money, building your assets, and thinking about managing your money.  CA$H Maine volunteers connect tax filers to matched savings programs, free classes, and other community services.

Find a tax preparation site near you.

For more about the benefits of free tax preparation read this blog from the Get It Back Campaign 

It is more important than ever to prepare accurate income tax returns during the 2017 tax season. A new law requires the IRS to delay issuing refunds for certain taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15. The law has no exceptions and is designed to make it easier for the IRS to find and stop fraud.

“For 15 years, CA$H Maine has helped individuals and families get their maximum refund that they use on necessities, like paying bills, paying down debt, making new purchases, and saving,” said Janet Smith, statewide CA$H Maine Financial Capability Coordinator and New Ventures Maine Regional Manager. “We are dedicated to helping as many community members as we can and encourage taxpayers to be wary of preparers promising faster refunds through expensive financial products, like loans.”
 
Taxpayers should file their returns as they normally do. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, some returns may need further review. Whether or not claiming EITC or ACTC, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to count on getting a refund by a certain date. Consider this fact when making major purchases or paying debts.

 If you do not have access to a retirement account at your job, a myRA® is available to make it easier for you to save for retirement.

You can set up a myRA account quickly and easily, either online or at your bank. There are no costs to open a myRA, and the account has no fees. You can put in any amount you choose. You can also withdraw the money you contributed without penalty if you need it. If you change jobs, you will still have your myRA account.

Investing in a myRA is safe, so you don’t have to worry that you will lose money. The savings in your myRA are invested in a single retirement savings bond. The bond is issued and backed by the United States Treasury. It will earn interest until your savings reaches $15,000 or until your account has been open for 30 years.

There are tax advantages to putting money in a myRA, too. The money you put in and the interest you earn in your myRA account do not have to be reported on federal income tax returns until you take the money out.
 
Next Steps:

• Try the myRA savings calculator to see how fast your account can grow.
• Click here to set up a myRA account online today.
• Set up automatic contributions to your myRA account with your employer using this Direct Deposit Authorization Form.

CA$H Maine is a statewide collaboration of ten coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. Since 2003, we have offered free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season and educated hard-working families and individuals about programs in the community that can increase their income, reduce debt, and build savings. CA$H Maine is a year-round resource, providing outreach and education about ways you can make the most of your money.

To find a coalition near you click here.