Free Tax Assistance Program In Newark Area Nailed Down $5.3M For Local Residents

NEWARK, NJ — A free, volunteer-based tax assistance program had another successful year in the Newark area, completing thousands of refunds and nailing down nearly $5.3 million for local taxpayers.

The United Way of Greater Newark’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program grew by 19 percent in 2025. According to the nonprofit, the program completed more than 5,500 total state and federal refunds this tax season.

This year, VITA was available at eight sites across the Greater Newark region. The program provided free in-person tax assistance to community members making $80,000 or less in taxable income, helping them to navigate the filing process – and save them up to $300 in tax prep work.

Participants were encouraged to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other valuable tax credits, which can total over $6,000. Free tax preparation assistance was also available online at getyourrefund.org.

According to the United Way, the program gives a welcome boost to its clients – some of whom are working people who can’t afford basic necessities such as food, housing and health care. Many are considered Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, under the nonprofit’s definition.

“VITA is a testament to United Way of Greater Newark’s commitment to building a thriving community through access to financial opportunity,” said Catherine Wilson, the local nonprofit’s president and CEO.

According to the United Way of Greater Newark, VITA is an IRS-sponsored service and a core component of Newark Free Tax Prep, an initiative under the Newark Asset Building Coalition. Since 2018, the program has helped prepare over 35,000 federal taxes, refunding more than $47.5 million to the local community and saving $10 million in avoided filing fees.

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