The Lewiston-Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition (LATCAC), the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and many other community partners recently kicked off a campaign to get the word out about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.

Left to right: Renee Bernier, Lewiston City Council President; Jill Lorom, Housing Counselor/IDA Program Coordinator, Coastal Economic Enterprises; Dottie Perham-Whittier, Community Relations Coordinator, city of Lewiston; John Jenkins, Mayor of the city of Auburn

IDAs are dedicated savings accounts that can be used to purchase a home, finance higher education or to start a business. Contributions are made by individual participants over a pre-established time period and are matched using both private and public sources

During this tax season, IRS-trained volunteers are available at established tax sites throughout Maine to assist with FREE tax preparation. Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit and find free tax filing assistance in your area (http://www.ptla.org/cliented/taxtips.htm).