United Way of the Southern Tier

Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CA$H)
CA$H provides free and fast tax assistance service for working families that earn less than $49,000!

If you file your own taxes (*see note at bottom of page for self-filers), you may be missing out on valuable tax credits that can lower the amount you owe or increase your refund -- credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers with "earned" income-wages or income from a small business. CA$H volunteers can prepare both your federal and state tax returns, and help you find all the tax credits for which you are eligible.

In 2011, CA$H volunteers completed returns for approximately 4,000 low and moderate-income households, bringing back more than $6.5 million in refunds.

Benefits

It's free!
Using a paid preparer can cost $250 or more per person; the CA$H program costs nothing.
It's fast!
By e-filing and having your refund direct-deposited, you will receive your money quicker.
It's convenient!
CA$H appointments are available at sites across the Southern Tier, and at times that work for you.
It's accurate!
CA$H volunteers are trained by IRS-approved specialists and must complete certification tests before completing any returns.

Making an Appointment
When you receive all of your 2011 W-2s, it's time to call 2-1-1 Helpline and make your appointment! (The CA$H program is also still available to complete 2010 and prior year tax returns.)

Dial 2-1-1 or 1 (800) 346-2211
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2-1-1 Helpline will help you find the appointment time and site that is most convenient for you. Click here for a checklist of what to bring to your appointment, and what you can expect when you are there.

Volunteering for the CA$H program
The CA$H program relies on volunteers to prepare returns and greet clients when they arrive at their appointments. New volunteers are always needed.

Volunteering is easy, and you can decide how often and where you want to volunteer. For information about becoming a CA$H volunteer, click here.

* Important Note for Self-Filers
If you choose to complete your tax return online and submit it yourself, be sure to start with a free state return web site rather than a free federal site. When you start with a free state site, your federal tax return will also be e-filed for free. If you start with a free federal site, you will be charged a fee to file your state return.

Also, watch this page for more information about new CA$H-sponsored kiosks, which will be available at limited sites for self-filers.

CA$H is sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Internal Revenue Service, Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) Division, and Bank of America.

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