Contributed photoPRESQUE ISLE — The United Way of Aroostook is joining forces with New Ventures Maine, the Aroostook Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Aroostook County Action Program, KeyBank, and VITA to offer free tax preparation once again.
This will be the fifth year of the program, in which trained volunteers prepare income tax returns for low- to middle-income households earning less than $54,000, free of charge, at several locations throughout Aroostook County. This year, beginning Feb. 2, the United Way will offer this service in Fort Kent, Presque Isle and Houlton.
As the United Way continues to grow the program, they hope to help 600 households.
Tax Site Coordinator Sandra Bartley has been involved with the program since its inception five years ago.
“I started as a preparer, but have since worked to coordinate and grow the program with United Way and its partners,” she said.
RSVP has helped to provide the pool of volunteers. However, a volunteer does not have to be a member of RSVP to become a certified preparer. Volunteers attend several trainings in advance of tax season, take tax and ethics tests, and then qualify as certified preparers.
According to United Way officials, all of this year’s preparers fall under the category of an advanced preparer, so clients can feel confident that they are being taken care of in a most professional and skilled manner.
People taking advantage of this service are welcomed by New Ventures Maine greeters, given an intake form to fill out, and then a certified preparer takes the information to prepare the tax return. Following the preparation, New Ventures Maine has incorporated a “next step” to help people set financial goals to make the most of their refund.
Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, New Ventures Maine manager, says, “Our aim is to help them set goals to use their refund in the most effective way, whether that is through savings programs or to manage debt.”
Clients who choose to set goals can meet with an asset organizer to learn about ways to stretch their refund dollars.
To set up an appointment or for more information about the program or to become a volunteer, call the United Way office at 207-764-5197.
