United Way offers free tax filing website

MORRISTOWN — Area residents can file their taxes for free online through MyFreeTaxes.com, the first free national online tax preparation program.

A safe, easy way to file state and federal taxes, MyFreeTaxes is free for anyone earning $62,000 or less. Residents earning more than $62,000 can use the site at a discounted rate.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is encouraging those who fall below the ALICE line – households earning above the poverty level, but less than what it takes to afford the basics – to take advantage of this free service this tax season. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. There are some 100,000 families in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties who fall below the ALICE line and could benefit from using MyFreeTaxes.

“For households struggling to survive, every dollar counts,” said United Way Manager Monica Conover. “Trying to come up with the average $200 that tax preparers charge is not an option for ALICE, which is why MyFreeTaxes is a welcomed option.”

With free English and Spanish tax support, MyFreeTaxes offers a simple process that includes free telephone, email and online chat supports from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes is sponsored by United Way Worldwide and uses tax filing software provided by HandR Block.

In addition to MyFreeTaxes, area residents who are struggling to make ends meet also have the option of free in-person tax preparation. United Way, in conjunction with local partners and the IRS, offers a free tax preparation program at various sites throughout the region. Residents meet one-on-one with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file both state and federal returns for free.

“Residents who are living paycheck to paycheck have two free, high-quality options when it comes to filing their taxes, allowing them to save their hard-earned money,” said Conover.

United Way in-person tax preparation sites in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties are now open. To make an appointment at a free tax site or to find out more information about MyFreeTaxes, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep.