Our Work » INCOME

United Way Income Tax Assistance

Summary of Our Work

Each year, New Jersey residents miss out on thousands of dollars by not claiming critical tax credits on their federal and state tax returns.  Others lose much of their return to high commercial preparation fees because they simply do not know where to turn for reliable and affordable help.  

As part of United Way of Northern New Jersey’s commitment to improve INCOME, we team up with community partners – including the IRS, AARP, and others – each year to provide free tax preparation from IRS-certified volunteers through the United Way Income Tax Assistance Program.  Community volunteers prepare free tax returns at libraries, community centers, and places of worship across the region.

Through this program, we ensure that our residents claim all the specialized tax credits available to them, 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.  Millions of dollars in specialized credits go unclaimed every year in New Jersey, often because families and individuals do not know they exist.  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.

United Way Income Tax Assistance Program Mission

The mission of the United Way Income Tax Assistance Program is to help residents with free tax preparation and education about tax credits that can help lead them to financial independence.

United Way Income Tax Assistance Program goals are:

• To provide free tax preparation for northern New Jersey residents in need.
• To spread the word about free tax preparation sites available throughout northern New Jersey.
• To educate residents on tax credits that can provide much-needed financial relief.
• To engage volunteers in a critical community program that helps thousands of low-income residents each year.