More Than a Tax Return – A Path to Security
Free tax preparation is just the beginning—CA$H helps families build lasting financial stability.
First jobs are exciting. They mark the start of independence, new opportunities, and financial security. But they also come with a less than exciting milestone—filing taxes for the first time.
For Dora, a young mom and child care educator at a preschool in Portland, that first tax season felt overwhelming. She wasn’t sure where to begin, worried about expensive filing fees, and feared making a mistake on her return. As a young mom, navigating alone felt like a very difficult task.
Then, a student’s parents told her about CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Greater Portland, a free tax filing preparation program managed by United Way of Southern Maine. With the support of an IRS-certified tax preparer, families like Dora’s could file their taxes accurately – for free.
Dora made an appointment. The tax preparer answered all her questions, walked her through the process, and turned a stressful experience into an easy one. That first appointment was nearly 20 years ago, and Dora has filed her taxes with CA$H ever since.
Why It Matters
“I like the person-to-person connection,” Dora says. “The tax preparers help me understand what tax credits and resources are available to me each year.”
As a single mom, financial security isn’t just about making ends meet – it’s about building a future. Nearly 70% of single mothers in Southern Maine are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). They work hard but often live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to cover basic needs.
CA$H Greater Portland doesn’t just file taxes. Volunteers help filers establish financial goals and connect them to local resources to strengthen their financial foundation year-round. That means more stability, more opportunities, and more peace of mind.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Dora always tells friends and coworkers about CA$H, some of whom are new Americans navigating an unfamiliar tax system. Language should never be a barrier to financial stability, which is why CA$H Greater Portland offers free language interpretation. Skilled volunteers speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Lingala, Kirundu, Kinyarwanda, and Kinyamurenge. In-person interpreters and a multilingual helpline provide support in more than 70 languages.The Impact
In 2024, CA$H Greater Portland helped more than 700 households file their taxes, returning more than $1.1 million to the Greater Portland community in refunds and saved preparation fees.
Because when families keep more of what they earn, they can invest in their futures. United Way is committed to helping hard-working Mainers like Dora access the financial tools, education, and job training they need to create a better, more sustainable future for themselves and their children.