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United Way of Southern Maine is a strong community support—offering services to help Mainers thrive, including free income tax preparation assistance and one-on-one financial education. Thanks to a multitude of community sponsors and volunteers, United Way can provide these offerings to community members who may otherwise struggle to access the resources they need to succeed.
Free income tax services through CA$H Maine (which stands for Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) not only have a large impact on community members but also help put more money back into the community itself. Last year, United Way of Southern Maine and their volunteers assisted over 850 people in understanding and completing their taxes in Cumberland County alone. Those returns disbursed more than $1.4 million into the community in federal and state refunds. In 2026, they hope to serve even more Mainers—but they need your help.
United Way of Southern Maine is seeking volunteers for tax preparation. Free training will be offered in advance, and no experience is required (you do not need to be an accountant!). By volunteering, you gain valuable skills and expertise, assist your community in navigating taxes and maximizing returns, and have the ability to schedule your volunteer hours around your schedule. On average, shifts are about three hours long; volunteers are needed for approximately 12 weeks during tax season (late January to mid-April). Multilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply, though everyone interested in helping is welcome to volunteer.
In addition to tax preparation, they are also looking for volunteers who may be able to help with in-person language translation and/or serve as opportunity guides. An Opportunity Guide sits with individuals prior to their tax appointments (in-person or virtually) to help fill out forms properly, provide financial education, and offer resource guidance depending on the individual’s circumstances. Guides get to know those they serve to best understand where they are at, what their goals and needs are, and what resources they may not be aware of—with a goal of helping their clients leave with both smiles and hope.
If you’d like to volunteer but do not live in Cumberland County, you still have the chance to lend a hand. Virtual tax preparers and opportunity guides are also needed, or you can engage with your local CA$H group in your part of the state. For volunteers who would like to volunteer virtually or in-person at United Way’s Portland office, fill out this volunteer interest form. Additional volunteering options are outlined on the CA$H website. If you choose to volunteer, don’t forget to include your time in your credit union’s monthly volunteerism report for the League!