SOMERSET COUNTY: United Way might be able to help with last-minute tax filing

   With the countdown to the April 15 income tax filing deadline fast approaching, United Way of Northern New Jersey is still offering appointments for low- and moderate-income tax filers to receive free IRS-certified tax preparation.
   In partnership with the IRS, AARP, NORWESCAP and others, free tax appointments are available in Morris, suburban Essex, Somerset, and Warren counties through April 15. In addition to filing this year’s taxes, these sites are also certified to handle filers who need help with filing previous year’s taxes.
   All New Jersey residents can dial 2-1-1 to find a nearby location and make day, evening and weekend appointments. Residents in Somerset County communities can make appointments online by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep, or by calling 908-253-6521.
   In addition, walk-ins will be welcome on April 15 at United Way’s Bridgewater office, 1011 U.S. Route 22 West, 2nd floor.
   For those who cannot travel to a free tax site, United Way is partnering with MyFreeTaxes to provide community members with a free online service to do their taxes from their personal computer. Families and individuals with a combined income under $58,000 in 2013 are qualified to use this service. To learn more, visit www.MyFreeTaxes.com/UnitedWayofNorthernNewJersey.
   All these free services are available only to families and individuals with a simple return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, Schedules A & B). Services are not applicable to businesses, stockholders, or landlords.
   ”Every dollar counts for residents who are struggling to make ends meet,” said John Franklin,United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO. “This is why we provide this service — folks can save at least $200 just on the cost of the preparation and filing. That doesn’t include the thousands more they could receive back in their pockets by ensuring they receive specialized tax credits they may qualify for and never knew about.”
   Through this United Way partnership last year, community volunteers prepared more than 4,600 free tax returns, saving residents nearly $1 million in tax preparation costs.
   Each year, the United Way Income Tax Assistance Program seeks to provide 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 Credits. These credits are designed to provide relief to low- and moderate-income households.
   Families and individuals could qualify for tax credits of $5,000 or more. These much-needed extra funds can be the first step on the road to financial stability, creating savings for emergencies, helping pay debts, or serving as a down payment on a home.