PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The United Way of Aroostook’s Aroostook CA$H Coalition, sponsored by The County Federal Credit Union, has been working to be able to offer help to the many clients who hadn’t yet filed their taxes when COVID-19 stay-at-home measures were put into place.
Until now, Coalition officials have only been able to offer online suggestions. Coalition members recently worked out a multi-phase program to offer tax filing help to clients.
Phase 1 will offer “over the phone” help to those people who do not typically file a federal return and are only looking to file for the Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit. People who only receive Social Security income or Social Security disability income are those who will most likely benefit. This service will begin on May 11.
For more information about getting help with the Property Tax Fairness Credit, call United Way of Aroostook at 764-5197.
With filing dates for both state and federal returns pushed to July, some clients have been able to file their taxes on their own electronically. Those who would like to try filing electronically can access help by calling CA$H Maine’s Facilitated Self-Assistance Program at 207-778-7954. The Maine Revenue Services taxpayer services number is 207-626-8475, which offers similar help with online filing. That number can also be used to order income tax forms to be sent to your home.
Aroostook CA$H Coalition hopes to be able to move to Phase 2 in June, but that will depend on current recommendations regarding COVID-19 and how to proceed safely. More information about this phase will happen once new guidelines for social distancing are released from the Governor’s office.
Submitted by the United Way of Aroostook.
