LEWISTON: On Monday (1/11) Twin Cities' Mayors urged Lewiston & Auburn area low-to-moderate income workers to call for a FREE tax preparation appointment as part of the LA CA$H Coalition's annual tax season outreach surrounding the Earned Income Tax Credit. The number to call is 513-3160, and appointments may be scheduled in the following time slots. Tax preparation & e-filing will be done by IRS-certified volunteer preparers:

On Monday, Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., and Mayor Dick Gleason both praised the Coalition's services to the community in this time of economic challenge. The Coalition was established by the City of Lewiston in 2004 as a means to inform residents about the EITC, a Federal benefit for those who work; provide free income tax preparation; and to connect individuals to asset-building resources. Since then, 25 partners--to include the City of Auburn--have come alongside to provide neighbor-to-neighbor assistance to working individuals and families. Since 2004, the Coalition's efforts have returned nearly $8 million in Federal/State refunds to those in the LA area--assisting 1,194 people just in 2009 alone. For additional information, residents may visit the City of Lewiston's web site: www.ci.lewiston.me.us - click on EITC under "Special Notices."