PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Volunteers from the Aroostook CA$H Coalition, a partnership between area nonprofits, have helped more than 1,000 individuals with free tax preparation in the last month, and expect to serve even more people by the time tax season ends in April.
Aroostook CA$H includes United Way of Aroostook, New Ventures Maine, Aroostook County Action Program and the Hope and Justice Project. Through their free tax preparation program, United Way trains IRS-certified tax preparers who then help clients navigate the often complicated tax return forms.
“So far we’ve booked over 1,000 appointments and we still have many more available,” said Sarah Ennis, executive director of United Way of Aroostook. “Our goal this year is to help 1,200 clients. We’ve seen everyone from college students to senior citizens.”
More than 40 volunteers, including greeters, tax preparers and site coordinators, have been part of the program at sites located in the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent and the Houlton Higher Education Center.
After meeting with tax preparers, clients also have the opportunity to speak with Opportunity Guides — volunteers from the County Federal Credit Union who discuss how clients can use their tax returns to make smart financial investments and make them aware of financial literacy programs offered through New Ventures Maine and related services from ACAP.
To qualify for the free tax program, individuals and families must have an annual household income of $56,000 or less. With many individuals in Aroostook County on fixed or limited incomes, members of Aroostook CA$H Coalition have noticed a steady increase in the number of clients who utilize the program.
“We’ve seen the number of clients go from 500 to 800 to over 1,000,” said Athena Hallowell, program and volunteer coordinator for United Way. “Many clients have said they’ve been able to pay bills that they would not have been able to pay before getting a tax refund. They’ve been able to invest in heating their home or save for emergencies.”
Lois and Dana Howes of Ashland have taken advantage of the program for several years now since their retirement.
“It’s a big deal for us because we live on a fixed income,” Lois Howes said, during an appointment with a tax preparer on Wednesday, Feb. 26. “[The program] has helped us save money and invest in our living expenses.”
Norma Smith of Washburn visited the Aroostook Centre Mall site, which serves as the program’s main location, for the first time on Wednesday. Smith said that she felt the need to consult a tax preparer after her husband Frank died in December.
“I didn’t feel comfortable doing all of this on my own,” Smith said. “Everyone here has been very nice.”
Folks who wish to schedule a tax appointment with Aroostook CA$H Coalition can contact United Way of Aroostook at 207-764-5197.
