United Way Offering Free Tax Prep Services

United Way of Northern New Jersey is partnering with the IRS, AARP and other community organizations to provide low-income residents with free tax preparation from IRS-certified volunteers. These free tax sites will be open in Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties from Feb. 1 through April 15.

Morris County residents can start making appointments now by dialing 2-1-1 to be connected to a location near you. Day, evening and weekend hours are available by appointment only. 

This free service is available only to families and individuals with a simple return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, Schedules A & B). The service is not applicable to businesses, stockholders or landlords.

“Our residents unknowingly miss out on thousands of dollars in tax returns each year because they don’t know they qualify for specialized tax credits,” said Michelle Roers, United Way chief professional officer in Morris County. “In addition, they unnecessarily spend hundreds of dollars on tax preparation fees–money that’s sorely needed these days to pay for basic necessities.”

Each year, the United Way Income Tax Assistance Program provides free tax return services and education about specialized tax credits available to area residents, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Education Tax Credit. Families and individuals could qualify for tax credits of $5,000 or more.

Through this program last year, United Way and hundreds of community volunteers prepared nearly 6,000 free tax returns at libraries, community centers and places of worship across northern New Jersey, resulting in more than $5.8 million in refunds.

To learn more about the United Way Income Tax Assistance Program, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.