York County Community Action Corporation’s York County CA$H program, which provides free tax preparation services to eligible York County residents, was honored on December 17, 2018, with a Community Citizen Leadership award by IRS Senior Tax Consultant Tess Armstrong.

In a letter accompanying the award, Ms. Armstrong writes: “I’m proud of the amazing and outstanding support you provide each year to deliver excellent service during the tax filing season and throughout the year. I can’t sufficiently express how impressed I am by your dedication to the taxpayers of York County—including your efforts to establish sound financial counseling and financial empowerment opportunities for the population that we serve.”

York County CA$H offers free tax preparation of basic federal and state tax returns for those with adjusted gross income below $52,000. All tax prep services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers. Volunteers can help determine what special tax credits clients might be eligible for, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly and Disabled.

Ms. Armstrong’s letter continued: “York County Community Action was one of the first organizations in Maine to partner with IRS SPEC, and it’s been a true pleasure to join you in your successful efforts in providing a valued service to our neighbors, family and friends.”

York County CA$H coordinator Mesha Quinn accepted the award on behalf of the CA$H program and the many VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) preparers who provide tax prep services to hundreds of York County families each year.

The citation on the award reads: “In recognition and appreciation of outstanding effort, dedication and personal contributions in building stronger workplaces and communities throughout this great Nation.”

Since 2002, York County CA$H has helped more than 5,000 eligible York County residents collect nearly $9 million in federal and state tax refunds at IRS-sponsored VITA sites throughout York County. York County CA$H is a member of CA$H Maine, a statewide collaboration of ten coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability.

Read the full text of Ms. Armstrong’s letter below:

December 17, 2018

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your years of support with York County CA$H and the VITA tax return preparation program!

It is a special honor to acknowledge you for the role you’ve played in helping return millions of dollars back into the communities that you serve.

I’m proud of the amazing and outstanding support you provide each year to deliver excellent service during the tax filing season and throughout the year. I can’t sufficiently express how impressed I am by your dedication to the taxpayers of York County—including your efforts to establish sound financial counseling and financial empowerment opportunities for the population that we serve.

IRS SPEC sets high goals, and I want to thank you for your efforts in consistently helping us achieve (and exceed) those goals.

Furthermore, your efforts have helped taxpayers to receive tax credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit) for which they’re eligible. As you know, this credit helps to make life easier for many taxpayers across Maine.

York County Community Action was one of the first organizations in Maine to partner with IRS SPEC, and it’s been a true pleasure to join you in your successful efforts in providing a valued service to our neighbors, family and friends.

Your continued partnership is appreciated as we work to maintain the successes of the CA$H Maine VITA program and we look towards continued growth in the future.

Again, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity, caring and partnership.

Sincerely,

Tess Armstrong
IRS-SPEC