Community Corner

United Way Offers Free Tax Assistance

Three service locations are right here in Parsippany.

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.

Three of the sites offered are in Parsippany-Troy Hills: the , the and the .

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.

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“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 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 Credit.  These credits are designed to provide relief to low- and moderate-income households.

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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 or serving as a down payment on a home. 

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.

The program kicks off Feb. 1, but residents may set up appointment dates now by calling 2-1-1.

The Lake Hiawatha Library will have tax volunteers available on selected Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (last appointment at 2:30): Feb.18, March 3, March 17, April 7 and April 14.

Program volunteers will be available at the Community Center on Tuesdays from  9 a.m.-1 p.m. through April 15. Electronic filing is available at this site.

Parsippany PAL also offers electronic filing for those who opt to use it. Tax help can be found here through April 15 on Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30a.m.-2 p.m. 


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