United Way in Montclair Offering Free IRS-Certified Tax Prep – TAPinto.net
MORRISTOWN, N.J. – United Way of Northern New Jersey has announced that IRS-qualified, free tax sites will be open and running this February, despite the uncertainties created by the federal shutdown. Residents can get ready for tax season now by scheduling an appointment.
“Our free tax sites are not affected by the shutdown,” said United Way Chief Operating Officer Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “Our preparers have been trained in the new tax law and will be ready to file tax returns.”
This free service is designed to help the 38 percent of New Jersey households who are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to afford necessities. For local individuals and families who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty, the free tax preparation program allows them to receive the credits and refunds they’ve earned while saving the average $270 fee paid tax preparers charge.
“When you are struggling to get by, every dollar counts,” said United Way Chief Operating Officer Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “Our IRS-certified preparers will work hard to help ALICE households get back everything they deserve.”
United Way has teamed up with NORWESCAP RSVP, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Partners for Health Foundation, Single Stop and the IRS to offer day, night and weekend appointments in person with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file both state and federal returns for free.
To make an appointment at a free tax site in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties, dial 973.993.1160, x5. Residents can also make online appointments for some of the tax sites by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep. Households earning less than $66,000 also have the option to file their taxes for free online using MyFreeTaxes.com.
Clients using United Way’s free tax preparation program will have the opportunity to put more money into their wallets by accessing savings-related information and programs such as Savers Credit and SaveYourRefund. The Savers Credit can provide ALICE and poverty-level taxpayers who are saving for retirement with a special tax break. Clients who qualify can see their tax bills reduced. Through the SaveYourRefund program, clients saving at least $50 of their federal refund at the time of filing can enter for a chance to win $100 and one of two $10,000 grand prizes.
Last year, United Way and its partners made it possible for more than 5,800 households to file their taxes for free, refunding more than $6.4 million and saving residents more than $1.5 million in tax preparation costs.
These free services are available only to low- and moderate-income families and individuals, not to business owners or landlords.
For more information about United Way’s free, quality tax preparation program, visit: www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep.
About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve life for families and individuals in our five-county footprint who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty. We believe when those who are struggling to afford the basics can succeed, all communities win. By focusing on Education, Financial Stability, and Health, we are helping ALICE now and in the long term. We do this through our initiatives that fill gaps in services, community partnerships, public policy work, and volunteer efforts. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona. To learn more, call 973.993.1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.