United Way offers free tax prep and cost-cutters for tax season
MORRISTOWN — Just in time for the start of tax season on Jan. 19, United Way of Northern New Jersey is providing five resources, including free tax preparation, to help ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and poverty-level residents get the most from their federal and state tax returns.
“We know tax season can be a financially stressful time for those already living paycheck to paycheck,” said United Way Manager Monica Conover. “United Way works each year to alleviate these stresses and costs by offering a free, high-quality tax preparation program.”
For ways to save an average $200 and maximize tax credits, consider the following resources, which can be accessed by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep.
Through United Way and its partners, individuals can meet in person for day, night and weekend appointments with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file both state and federal returns for free. Refunds are typically received within two weeks. To make an appointment at a free tax site in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties, dial 973-993-1160, x5.
Through United Way, households earning less than $62,000 can access MyFreeTaxes.com, the first free national online program.
Families earning up to $53,267 can learn if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by meeting with a United Way tax preparer. New Jersey recently increased the amount households can receive. The EITC is considered the country’s most effective pro-work and anti-poverty tools, proven to lift families out of poverty and boost employment and earnings.
Residents can also receive guidance on qualifications for health care-related tax credits and/or payments. A starting place is the free Tax Advocate Service tools through the IRS.
Workers can check if they have too much or too little federal income withheld from their pay through a free online calculator provided by the IRS.
Each year, United Way partners with the IRS, NORWESCAP, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church and volunteers to prepare and file free tax returns for financially-strapped families. Last year, this partnership resulted in 5,150 free tax returns filed across the region. This free service saved ALICE households an estimated $1 million in tax preparation fees and helped put $5.6 million in refunds back into their wallets and the region
For more information about United Way’s free tax preparation program, email Monica.Conover@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973-993-1160, x529.
About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on education, income, and health. To learn more, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.