Looking for a way to increase your income? Stop paying to get your taxes prepared, and find out if you qualify for tax credits that you didn’t know you qualified for.

Get your income taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified tax preparers! Once you receive all of your income tax statements (such as W-2’s) dial 2-1-1 and get connected to a tax site near you.

The HoMEworks goal is to provide a standardized, comprehensive homeownership education program to be delivered by a network of industry professionals in neutral environments throughout Maine.  Buyers who have taken the home buying classes are more confident when asking questions and making decisions about homeownership and loan products. Education gives buyers the tools they need to avoid predatory lending and possible foreclosure.

Click on the following links for more HoMEworks information.

HoMEworks brochure

HoMEworks class schedule and fee information

The FDA Program enables low-income families to establish savings accounts that will be used to buy a home, pay for education, or start or expand a small business. Participating families establish a savings account to be used toward their identified goal. Matched Savings Programs enhance the money you earn through employment by matching your participant dollars at a 4:1 ratio.  For a program description: http://womenworkandcommunity.org/?page_id=101

The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community (WWC), Penquis, and WHCA  are three agencies offering the program in the Eastern Maine area.

The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community are committed to improving the economic lives of Maine women and their families. To help families save to meet their financial goals (including purchasing a home) they offer Family Development Accounts (FDA’s), or “matched savings accounts”.  The learn more about FDA’s and whether you are eligible, go to http://womenworkandcommunity.org/?page_id=80.

Penquis serves Penobscot and Piscataquis counties by offering programs to individuals and families in preventing, reducing, and eliminating poverty in their lives. Through various partnerships they engage the community in addressing its economic and social needs. Call them toll-free at 1-800-215-3699. http://www.penquis.org.

Washington Hancock Community Agency is a community action agency dedicated to fighting poverty and helping low-income people in Down East Maine. They offer a wide range of services including heating assistance, transportation, weatherization, small business assistance, tax preparation and more.

1. Getting the word out. Know someone who would love free tax preparation? Let them know that they can call 2-1-1 Maine to set up an appointment with us.

2. Volunteering! There’s always room for more helping hands. Are you comfortable with numbers with computers? Or do you have a bright smile to greet people? We have a spot for you! Please call United Way of Eastern Maine at 941-2800 or visit the website. You might also be interested in Volunteers of Maine.

Penquis – help with food, utilities, child care, heating oil, weatherization, FDA accounts, and numerous other services for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

WHCA – help with food, utilities, child care, heating oil, weatherization, FDA accounts, and numerous other services for Washington and Hancock counties.

United Way of Eastern Maine – for more information on local agencies and programs that may suit your needs, or if you’d like to volunteer.

Volunteer Maine – Want to help out your friends and neighbors but not sure how? Let us help! We have a listing of area agencies that need your assistance.

Pine Tree Legal – Free legal assistance to low-income people with offices all over the state.

Coastal Enterprises – For help starting or growing a business, housing counseling, or help finding affordable housing.

Women, Work, and Community – Build a career, start a business, manage your money, and become a leader.

Easten Area Agency on Aging-Local resources for seniors and their caregivers