Dear readers,

If you made less than $50,000 in 2009, you might be leaving money on the table.  Find out by having your federal and state income taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers. You may qualify for up to $5,657 from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

Free tax preparation sites can also connect you to free programs and services in the community that help you make the most of your money.  CA$H Greater Portland tax sites will be open January 23 – March 6, with additional AARP Tax-Aide locations open throughout the tax season.

How to participate:
1. Collect tax statements from ALL income received in 2009
(W-2, 1099, 1098, SSA and unemployment)
2. Gather Social Security cards for each person you will claim on your tax return.
3. Dial 2-1-1 (it’s free!) to find a tax site
4. Call the tax site to schedule an appointment; other qualifications may apply
(interpreters available upon request).

CA$H Greater Portland is a community coalition that empowers families and individuals to achieve long-term financial stability.  Coalition members include: AARP Tax-Aide, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Casey Family Services, City of Portland, Community Financial Literacy, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maine, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Internal Revenue Service, KeyBank, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Portland Housing Authority, People’s Regional Opportunity Program, United Way of Greater Portland, and Women, Work and Community.

The United Way also operates CA$H programs (in collaboration with Casey Family Services) in Mid-Coast Maine (Topsham and Bath), Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn, and Concord, NH.