FARMINGTON — The Western Maine CA$H Coalition is celebrating 12 years of free tax preparation by IRS-certified local community volunteers.

In Franklin County, free tax preparation begins Jan. 23 and runs through March 22.

The public is invited to learn how to earn, save and make the most of their money and officially celebrate the launch of the free tax-prep program at the “Earn It, Keep It, Grow It” celebration planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Save-A-Lot in the Mt. Blue Plaza on Wilton Road.

Free food will be available while coalition representatives, legislators and community members talk about the benefits of CA$H Maine in Greater Franklin County.

The tax site will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays on the third floor of Roberts Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington.

While walk-ins will be served as time permits, please schedule an appointment to ensure tax preparer availability. For an appointment, call 778-7954.

WMCC is one of 10 coalitions in Maine. There are more than 50 nonprofit and for-profit partners involved with the coalitions. These coalitions offer free tax preparation and empowerment of Maine individuals and families with the financial know-how to keep and grow resources and financial assets and, in turn, climb the economic ladder for long-term stability. 

Last year CA$H Maine assisted nearly 4,000 Maine households with free tax preparation and access to resources which helped them save money and make the most of it. More than $6 million in federal refunds went to those who participated in the free tax preparation through CA$H Maine.

Volunteer preparers are trained to look for individuals that will qualify for federal tax credits such as the earned income tax credit and the child and dependent care credit. Eligible individuals who participated in CA$H Maine tax-prep sessions received $1.9 million in EITC refunds last year.

For more information on the celebration, on how to become involved as a volunteer or what resources the Western Maine CA$H Coalition can connect residents with, call 778-2757.