For the 10th year in a row, IRS certified volunteer tax preparers under the direction of Site Coordinator KC Geiger will provide free Federal and State tax preparation and e-filing for low- to moderate-income workers (those earning $50,000 and under).

The phone line opens January 17, and Lewiston-Auburn-area residents may call 513-3160 to schedule their free appointment. Jacklyn Holt will be one of those calling.

“When I went to the free tax prep site and saw what my refund was after getting tax credits that I was eligible for, I cried,” said Jacklyn Holt who spoke at a January 8 press event sponsored by the Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition.

Actual tax prep will commence January 24. Locations this year will be at the Lewiston Memorial Armory, corner of Vale Street and Central Avenue, and Auburn City Hall, 60 Court Street. The former Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center will no longer be a site, as it is now home to Longley School.

For date and time, individuals may visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lacash.

Since 2004, CA$H Coalition outreach has resulted in over $15 million in refunds returned to Lewiston-Auburn-area residents, which Lewiston City Administrator Ed Barrett described as not only a plus for residents but the local economy. He urged low- to moderate-income workers to take advantage of the Coalition’s services, noting that last year over $2 million in Federal refunds alone were claimed.

The Coalition also promotes the Earned Income Tax Credit, a Federal benefit for those who work, and provides connections to financial literacy/asset-building offerings.

At the event, other highlights were announced as well:

January 26: “Living On a Tight Budget . . . What Can I Do To Get Ahead?” Free event at Lewiston Public Library. 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

February 9: Free Super REFUND Saturday Tax Prep at Lewiston Memorial Armory, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes a Community Resource Fair and Pulling/Reviewing of Credit Reports

The Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition consists of the Twin Cities; the Internal Revenue Service; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce; Androscoggin Head Start & Child Care; United Way of Androscoggin County; Women, Work, & Community; Key Bank, HUD, Pine Tree Legal, Coastal Enterprises, Inc.; Maine Migrant Workers; United Somali Women of Maine; Lewiston Adult Education; Lewiston Housing Authority; AARP Tax Aide Program; Community Concepts; Volunteers of America; and retired seniors.

Other CA$H Coalitions exist throughout the State of Maine, and other free tax prep sites may be located by calling 2-1-1.