Grant allows VITA program to offer financial advice

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
    The VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) program will be able to help even more citizens with their tax returns this year, thanks to a $7,500 grant from KeyBank.
    “This grant is helping to create the CASH Coalition (creating assets, savings and hope), to assist low-income people with their tax returns. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and fits in with what United Way of Aroostook does in assisting people in need,” said UWA Director Claudia Stevens, who noted UWA served as the facilitator in lining up the grant between KeyBank and the local AARP branch.
    Stevens said the CASH program has been in place for several years downstate. Since AARP already has the VITA program here in Aroostook, she thought the program would fit well with local efforts.
    “We’ll work with them (AARP/VITA) and add to their program. While people are waiting to get their taxes done, they’ll be offered financial advice,” said Stevens.
    “Advice may include discussing college funds for a child and how to go about setting up savings for that or ways to put money away for other needs,” said Steven Gagnon, senior vice president, KeyBank, Presque Isle.
    Stevens said she’s working with the organization Women, Work and Community to offer financial advice.
    “We’re (UWA) more of the coordinator. The goal is to increase the number of tax returns done by at least 50 over what was done in past years,” Stevens said. “Women, Work and Community staff is working with us to create the financial piece. We’ve hired Pam Palm to help coordinate all this for us.”
    Stevens expects the money to last beyond this year.
    “We’ll try to make it last as long as we can. The expense is primarily paying someone to coordinate and train tax preparers,” she said. “We’re focusing on central Aroostook but our long-term goal is to expand throughout the county.”
    Lowell Glidden, spokesperson for the local AARP chapter, said there’s been interest in other parts of Aroostook.
    “We’ve had some interest in the Valley — had contact in Madawaska. But we can’t do paper returns; it’s all electronic. We don’t have the equipment available in that region. Currently we have locations in Caribou and Presque Isle,” said Glidden. “Programs like this are thriving across the country.”
    VITA will be offering free tax preparation for low- and middle-income taxpayers, with an emphasis on helping those ages 60 and over, at locations in Caribou and Presque Isle.   
    “On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., between Feb. 2 and April 12, the VITA program will be offered at the Lions Building, 111 High St., Caribou; and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., between Feb. 4 and April 14, at UMPI’s Campus Center, Room 118, 181 Main St., Presque Isle. Mike Ayer is in charge of the Caribou unit,” said Glidden.
    Stevens said senior citizens should consider getting their tax return done, even if they don’t think they owe anything, because they may be entitled to the Earned Income Credit.
    Anyone wanting more information on the VITA program and what services will be available this year is asked to contact the UWA office, 764-5197.