FARMINGTON — The Western Maine CA$H Coalition is celebrating its 14th anniversary of free tax preparation by IRS-certified local community volunteers.

WMCC is one of 11 coalitions in Maine offering free tax preparation and empowering Maine individuals and families with the financial know-how to keep and grow resources and financial assets.

Last year CA$H Maine assisted nearly 5,000 Maine households with free tax preparation and access to resources, which helped them save money and make the most of it. More than $7 million in federal refunds were brought in to those who participated in the free tax preparation through CA$H Maine.

Volunteer preparers are trained to look for individuals who will qualify for federal tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Last year more than $2.5 million in EITC refunds were received by eligible participants in the free tax preparation sessions through CA$H Maine.

In greater Franklin County, free tax preparation for eligible filers begins Thursday, Jan. 21, and runs through March 26. Eligible filers are those with household incomes of $54,000 or below.

The tax site will be open Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The site is on the third floor of Roberts Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington.

While walk-ins will be served as time allows, an appointment should be scheduled to ensure tax preparer availability. Call 207-778-7954 to make an appointment.