Free tax preparation offered

The United Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners again are offering low- and moderate-income residents a way to have their taxes prepared for free.

For more than a decade, United Way and its partners - the IRS, Norwescap and Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church - have been helping residents struggling to afford the basics. The free tax-preparation program allows individuals and families who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty to receive the credits and refunds they’ve earned while saving the average $270 fee that paid tax preparers charge.

“Year after year, thousands of hard-working residents who are struggling to get by have trusted United Way to prepare and file their federal and state taxes for free,” said Kiran Handa Gaudioso, chief executive of United Way of Northern New Jersey. “And we know from our data that the need is great.”

With 1.3 million New Jersey households unable to afford life’s basics, United Way welcomes the debut this year of Direct File, a free IRS program that allows residents to file a federal return online at no cost.

“Providing ALICE with additional options to save money is a good thing,” Gaudioso said. “And while United Way and Direct File both offer free tax prep services, residents need to meet certain requirements to use them.”

Low- to moderate-income residents who worked in the gig economy may use United Way’s free tax prep program but not Direct File. Struggling residents looking to claim credits for college tuition or other higher education expenses cannot use Direct File but could turn to United Way.

While Direct File is an online program for federal tax preparation, United Way offers in-person and limited drop-off appointments as well as online and self-filing options for both federal and state tax returns. Assistance in English and Spanish is available for both programs.

“Whether clients file their taxes with us in person or online, they can expect a high-quality experience with IRS tax law-certified preparers, a double review process and the timely completion of their returns,” Gaudioso said. “Our tax preparers also ensure clients receive all eligible deductions and credits.”

To schedule an in-person or drop-off appointment, text FreeTaxNJ to 51555. Or call 973-993-1160 ext. 5, leave a message and a scheduler will return your call to set up an appointment.

By going online to uwnnj.org/freetaxprep, tax filers may access a portal to have their federal and state tax returns prepared and filed electronically for free. The system uses secure document uploads, encrypted email communication and video conferencing. Assistance and forms are available in both English and Spanish.

In addition to in-person or drop-off appointments and the online portal, income eligible individuals and families may use self-filing software to file their federal and state tax returns for free.

To learn more about filing options, send email to UnitedWayTaxPrep@UnitedWayNNJ.org or leave a message in English or Spanish at 973-993-1160 ext. 5 and a tax scheduler will return your call.