Senator Snowe Impressed with Volunteer-based Free Tax Prep Program
The York County Creating Assets, Savings and Hope Coalition was pleased to introduce Senator Olympia Snowe to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in January during a volunteer training at York County Community Action agency. The VITA program is offered by nine CA$H Maine coalitions statewide and is supported by a VITA grant from the IRS, which is fiscally managed by Volunteers of America.
Senator Snowe was visiting the York County Community Action Agency, the lead partner of York County CA$H, to discuss deficits in heating assistance funding. During her visit, she was able to meet volunteers of York County CA$H and AARP tax-aide and learn about the VITA and asset building programs.
“She really took her time with us,” says Rhoda Butler, Project Director of York County CA$H at York County Community Action Agency. “She was really impressed with our volunteer efforts.”
The CA$H coalitions help low- to moderate-income Mainers make the most of their money by offering free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers, education about the Earned Income Tax Credit and connection to community resources through financial asset building services. Last year, the coalitions helped 3,635 taxpayers file federal and state income taxes that resulted in nearly $7 million worth of federal refunds going back to the local economy.
Super Refund Saturday February 4, 2012
CA$H Maine will launch what it hopes to be another record-breaking season to help
individuals and families make the most of their money through its annual Super Refund Saturday events, held at locations throughout Maine on Feb. 4. In some locations, Super Saturday volunteers will offer free credit
report review, budget makeovers and assistance with the Maine Rent/Property
Tax Rebate application. General appointments are available statewide through April.
To find a coalition near you, call 2-1-1 or go to the CA$H Maine website. To find out how you can join the statewide coalition of nearly 50 nonprofits and businesses, contact Sharon Ross at Volunteers of America at 373-1140, ext. 206, or any one of the coalitions listed on the CA$H Maine website.