Rep. Fossel Offers Reminder That Free Tax Preparation Assistance Is Available

With tax filing deadlines just around the corner, Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna) wanted to remind his  constituents that there is free assistance available to help you prepare your Maine and federal income tax filings.

The American Association of Retired Persons and a coalition of groups called CA$H Maine have united to establish tax assistance sites throughout the state. Every year many Mainers do not realize they qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  Approximately 25% of eligible residents do not apply for the EITC, leaving unclaimed a tax credit that could total up to $5,657 for each eligible household.  Tax preparation services can help you file for the EITC and other tax credits that may be available.

In order to participate, you must have your tax statements from all income received in 2009 as well as Social Security cards for each person you will claim on your return. You should then dial 211 (which is toll-free) to find the tax site nearest you and call that site for an appointment.

You may find the site nearest you by visiting the CA$H Maine website at http://www.cashmaine.org.  There you can also find summaries of Maine tax benefits, lists of local resources in your area, and information about other programs the CA$H Maine coalition offers.