Senator Justin Alfond Announces Free Tax Preparation Through CA$H Greater Portland
February 4, 2009 -
AUGUSTA—State Senator Justin Alfond (D-Cumberland County) is pleased to announce that on February 7, 2009, CA$H Greater Portland will be offering free tax preparation to those who earned less than $50,000 in 2008. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Casey Family Services in Portland, residents will have the opportunity to have their taxes prepared and filed for free, learn if they qualify for the earned income tax credit, get free advice and a free credit report.
CA$H Greater Portland is a community resource that offers free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season, as well as helping employers bring financial education tools to their employees, and educating residents about how they can achieve long term financial stability.
On average, families with two children who applied for the earned income tax credit received $4,716. Yet, in 2007, over $4,000,000 was left unclaimed in Cumberland County in earned income tax credits. Senator Alfond said, “In these tough economic times, I know of so many families in Portland who could use that earned income tax credit.”
Senator Alfond is a sitting member of the United Way’s Financial Stability Partnership Council. The council is made up of more than a dozen leaders in the Greater Portland community whose mission it is to help empower hard-working individuals and families in Cumberland County as they strive to be on steady financial ground.
“There is a huge need for financial education and resources. Programs like CA$H are connecting people to critical financial workshops, financial tools, free income tax preparation sites and resources.” Alfond added, “It is so great, being able to help families and individuals find the programs they need, that will assist them in increasing their income power. I encourage everyone who qualifies to take advantage of the services that CA$H offers.” Volunteers are certified by the IRS and have the goal of helping over 100 individuals fill out their taxes and offer financial counseling and planning. Those interested in having their taxes prepared need to schedule an appointment. Filers who are not available on Saturday can have their taxes prepared at various CA$H tax sites throughout Cumberland County for the remainder of the tax season. To make an appointment, dial 874-1000 in Greater Portland, or 2-1-1 to find the tax site nearest you. To learn more about this and other CA$H programs, visit the CA$H Greater Portland website: www.cashpg.org.
