CASH Campaign of Maryland Celebrates 25 Years of Free Tax Services and Advocates for Financial Empowerment
The CASH Campaign of Maryland, a pivotal nonprofit organization in Baltimore, recently celebrated an impressive milestone: its 25th anniversary of offering free tax preparation services. This year's kickoff event, themed "Keep Your Money!", took place on January 30, 2026, and highlighted the campaign's commitment to financial empowerment for Maryland's low-income residents.
Led by co-founders Robin McKinney and Sara Johnson, the campaign has a proud history of supporting thousands of families over the past quarter-century, which has included preparing and e-filing more than 308,000 tax returns at no cost, translating to around $455 million returned in refunds and credits to those in need. This service is crucial for families earning $69,000 or less, allowing them to sidestep the often expensive and inaccessible world of commercial tax services.
During the kickoff event, participants had the opportunity to receive live tax preparation assistance. The event was attended by officials, including Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Comptroller Brooke Lierman, all voicing support for the CASH Campaign's efforts to promote economic stability through initiatives like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Sara Johnson underscored the importance of these tax credits, stating, "The Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits help put money back in people's pockets, and it helps people and families out of poverty. With this money, families can pay their bills or even enjoy some family activities." Her words reflect the campaign’s broader mission that extends beyond tax preparation, aiming to improve the overall financial well-being of Marylanders.
Robin McKinney echoed these sentiments, noting how the CASH Campaign has evolved since its inception. Originally focused solely on tax preparation and the EITC, the organization quickly recognized additional needs such as public benefits and payday loans. This insight has enabled the campaign to become a comprehensive resource for those seeking financial security.
The event also shed light on the pressing need for tax advocacy at a time when economic challenges and inequality are prominent issues. Comptroller Brooke Lierman emphasized the role of tax credits in addressing these disparities, stating, "At a time when costs are rising and inequality has exploded across the nation, we need to be doing all we can to meet working families where they are with the resources that they need."
The community reception for the 25th-anniversary event showcases the trust and reliance Marylanders have placed in the CASH Campaign. The campaign's services extend well beyond tax preparation; they also help link residents to financial coaching and wealth-building programs such as Bank On Maryland.
Eligible families can schedule appointments for free tax preparation and e-filing at bmorefreetaxes.org or by calling 410-234-8008. As the CASH Campaign of Maryland continues to advocate for economic advancement through education and community support, it promises to bolster the financial circumstances of countless families across the state, creating a more equitable Maryland for all.
For more information about the CASH Campaign, interested parties can visit www.cashmd.org or follow them on social platforms to stay updated on their initiatives. Their unwavering dedication serves as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions in fostering financial stability and hope for the future.