Midcoast CA$H volunteers guided 47 Bath Housing residents through filing their tax returns for free, saving over $8,200 in preparation fees and returning nearly $12,000 in tax refunds
This tax season, the United Way of Midcoast Maine and Bath Housing teamed up through the Midcoast CA$H Coalition to provide free tax preparation assistance and financial education to 47 Bath Housing residents, collectively saving more than $8,200 in filing fees and returning nearly $12,000 to filers who earn less than $67,000 annually.
Midcoast CA$H is an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that provides free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers to eligible households. VITA programs help to ensure qualifying tax filers receive all state and federal tax credits to which they are entitled, while also providing financial education designed to improve financial stability, from learning how to budget to debt-reduction programs to understanding credit and more.
The majority (79%) of American taxpayers plan to save and/or spend tax refunds on necessities, including rental payments, groceries, debt payments, and other essential items, according to a 2024 survey published by Talker Research. For limited income households, tax refunds and savings on tax preparation fees can be a budgetary boon.
“Bringing tax preparation and financial education services to Bath Housing residents removes the transportation barrier, which makes a significant difference,” said Doreen J. Fournier, MSW, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Midcoast Maine. “We are deeply grateful to our volunteer tax preparers, who are the stars of the Midcoast Maine CA$H program. We look forward to helping more people receive the tax credits and refunds to which they are entitled.”
Nancy Jennings, a Midcoast CA$H volunteer who served Bath Housing residents this tax season, said what she finds most satisfying is “helping people get the funds that they are owed that they might otherwise leave on the table.”
“As a United Way agency, Bath Housing believes in giving people the best possible start, building financial stability and helping people live healthy and connected lives – and we believe opportunity and wellness are anchored in stable housing,” said Debora Keller, Executive Director of Bath Housing. “Our partnership with United Way of Midcoast Maine and Midcoast CA$H is just one way Bath Housing works to advance forward-thinking housing solutions, so that all who want to call Sagadahoc County home can live, work and thrive together.”
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