United Way will help prepare tax returns

By: centraljersey.com
The United Way of Northern New Jersey, Somerset office, once again will be offering free income tax assistance to eligible families and individuals this tax season.
As a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, United Way provides this service to ensure qualifying families receive the earned income tax and child tax credits.
People who work but don’t earn a lot of money may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit as well as free help preparing their tax return. Jan. 28 marks the annual EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase public awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites.
The IRS estimates 20 percent to 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit, which could put as much as $5,666 into the pockets of a family with three or more children, $5,036 for a family with two children, $3,050 to a family with one child or up to $457 for a worker with no children. The EITC is the federal government’s largest program benefiting lower earning workers.
"The extra dollars eligible taxpayers can get through EITC can make their lives a little easier," said Lisa Galonardo, assistant vice president of community and volunteer services, "but they must file tax returns, even if they aren’t required to file, and claim the credit to receive it."
Ms. Galonardo explains how some individuals and families may qualify for the credit for the first time because of unemployment or other changes in their financial, marital or parental status during the past year.
Taxpayers with earnings of or below $43,352 ($48,362 if married filing jointly) with three or more children; $40,363 ($45,373 if married filing jointly) with two children, $35,535 ($40,545 if married filing jointly) with one child or $13,460 ($18,470 if married filing jointly) if there are no children should check to see if they qualify.
The EITC is one of several tax credits available for qualified people. As a VITA site, IRS-certified volunteers will be available to complete tax returns for eligible residents at locations in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Franklin Township, Green Brook, Raritan and Somerville. Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available.
For more information about the EITC or to obtain free tax preparation assistance, call the United Way in Somerset County at 908-253-6511 or for information on sites in other communities, call 211 or visit www.nj211.org.
Additional services will be offered at VITA sites this year, including free credit reports, additional services information and financial management guidance.
For more information on the Somerset County VITA program, contact Ms. Galonardo at 908-253-6503 or [email protected].