The Midcoast Maine Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CA$H) coalition has wrapped up another record-breaking tax season, helping 330 taxpayers file federal and state income taxes that resulted in more than $600,000 worth of refunds going back to the local economy.

This year the coalition was backed by an incredible crew of 31 community and Bowdoin student volunteers. With such a great commitment from volunteers, the coalition was able to reach more individuals and families in the low- to moderate-income bracket, with 32 percent of participants claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit.

This year the coalition had strong support from many area businesses, including Downeast Energy and Building Supply, which took appointments through a dedicated hotline staffed by Downeast Energy employee volunteers. Also joining Midcoast CA$H from the business community was Key Bank, Border Trust, Waterfront Maine, University College at Bath/Brunswick and Bowdoin College. It was a true community effort.

Since the 2007 tax season, the Midcoast Maine CA$H coalition has helped about 1,200 individuals and families with free tax preparation services and financial asset building coaching, with more than $1 million worth of refunds being returned back to the local economy.

The Midcoast Maine Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CA$H) coalition was formed in the fall of 2006 in an attempt to educate the public about the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a federal tax benefit to help low and moderate income workers increase their financial stability. This benefit is intended to reduce the tax burden on those workers and supplement wages.

The program was launched through a grant from the Department of Justice Weed & Seed Program, which is fiscally managed by Volunteers of America Northern New England, and funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Additional funding this year was provided by an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Grant and mini-grants from Key Bank and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Midcoast Maine CA$H partners are: Annie E.Casey Foundation; Border Trust; Bowdoin College; Casey Family Services; Coastal Enterprises, Inc.; Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maine; Downeast Energy and Building Supply; Goodwill Industries; Internal Revenue Service; Key Bank; Midcoast Maine Community Action Agency; United Way of Mid Coast Maine; U.S. Department of HUD; Volunteers of America; University College at Bath/Brunswick; Waterfront Maine and Women, Work and Community.