FARMINGTON — Western Maine CA$H Coalition will offer free tax help for residents applying to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. 

Jan. 29 marks the 10th anniversary of EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. The Coalition will hold its kick-off from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Bass Room. The public is invited to learn about this free community service.

The Internal Revenue Service is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that residents may be eligible for. This includes the Premium Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

In 2015, about 27 million workers nationwide received more than $65 billion in EITC refunds. In Maine, more than 100,000 workers received more than $209 million with the average refund being around $2,076.

Residents who worked in 2015 and had income of less than $53,267 may be eligible for EITC. The credit can mean up to a $6,242 refund with children; workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $503. On average, EITC adds $2,400 to refunds. EITC varies by income, family size and filing status. To be eligible, a resident must have earned an income or a certain disability income. 

Volunteers trained by the IRS ask the needed questions to find out if a person filing qualifies for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites, also prepare and electronically file tax returns at no cost.

FMI: 207-778-7954, www.cashmaine.org.