CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango and Madison counties CASH coalition is reaching out to local residents who might qualify to have their state and federal taxes prepared free of charge.

Chenango County residents who earned less than $53,000 in 2014 may be eligible for the program. The CASH (Creating Assets Savings and Hope) coalition is a group of trained IRS-certified community volunteers who can help sort tax forms and take advantage of special credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly.

The CASH coalition estimates that four out of five eligible workers currently claim the Earned Income Tax Credit; and due to changes in marital or parental statuses, many people will qualify for the first time this year. Hundreds benefitted from the program in 2013, recouping more than $1.7 million in tax refunds (nearly two-thirds of which came through Earned Income Tax Credits).

To help preparers accurately determine Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:

• Photo proof of identification

• Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration

• Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return