United Way Launches Free Tax Prep Program
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
Low- and moderate-income families can access free tax prep and filing services in-person and online
Beginning in February, low- and moderate-income residents can once again have their taxes prepared and filed at no cost to them by using a free tax preparation program offered by United Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners.
Offered in partnership with the IRS, Norwescap and Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, United Way’s free tax prep program is available to individuals and families who earned $89,000 or less in 2025. Eligible residents can choose to have their taxes prepared at tax sites in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties or virtually using a free, safe and secure online portal.
This free service is designed to help New Jersey households struggling to afford the basics. For local individuals and families who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty, the free tax preparation program allows them to receive the credits and refunds they’ve earned while saving the average $300 fee paid tax preparers charge.
“For ALICE families, every dollar matters,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “When households are already stretched thin, paying hundreds of dollars to file taxes can mean falling behind even more. This program removes that barrier and helps families keep more of what they earn.”
United Way and its partners offer in-person appointments with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file both federal and state tax returns at no cost. Appointments are available in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties.
To schedule an in-person or drop-off appointment, text FreeTaxNJ to 51555, or call 973.993.1160, x5 and leave a message. A tax scheduler will return the call to set up an appointment.
Eligible tax filers may also choose to file virtually by visiting uwnnj.org/freetaxprep, where they can access an easy-to-use online system to have their federal and state tax returns prepared and filed electronically for free. The system features secure document uploads, encrypted email communication and video conferencing. Assistance and forms are available in both English and Spanish.
“No matter how clients choose to file — in person or online — they receive the same high-quality service,” said Gaudioso. “Our IRS tax law-certified preparers complete a double review of every return and work to ensure clients receive all eligible deductions and credits.”
In addition to in-person and virtual assistance, individuals and families who earned $89,000 or less may also use free self-filing software to file their federal and state tax returns.
To learn more about filing options or for questions about the online portal, email UnitedWayTaxPrep@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x5 and leave a message in English or Spanish. A tax scheduler will return the call.
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