
TAX PREPARATION
TAX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR TAX PREP QUESTIONS
WHAT IS FREE TAX PREP OR VITA?
VITA, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is an Internal Revenue Service program that offers free tax filing to low- and moderate-income households through various partner organizations. For more than a decade, United Way has partnered with Norwescap, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, the IRS, and a corps of IRS tax law-certified volunteers to prepare and file free tax returns for more than 5,500 families annually.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS FREE SERVICE?
This service is only open to individuals and families with low- to moderate-income ($84,000 or less). Businesses and landlords are not eligible. Also, there are certain tax situations that are out of scope for this program including but not limited to: rental income, cryptocurrency, business loss, farm income, solar energy credits, and clean vehicle credits.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR FILING MY FEDERAL AND STATE TAX RETURNS FOR FREE?
In-person After scheduling an appointment at one of our tax sites, clients meet one-on-one with an IRS tax law-certified volunteer. Our trained volunteers prepare returns, review them with our clients, and electronically file them. Assistance in Spanish is available at many of our in-person sites.
Drop-off Clients show up to a scheduled appointment to have their tax documents copied, leaving with the originals. The return is then prepared by an IRS tax law-certified volunteer. Clients return to the site of their original appointment to review the completed return before it is electronically filed. Drop-off appointments are limited, with some sites offering assistance in Spanish.
Online Using a computer or smartphone, clients upload required documents to our secure online portal. After reviewing the documents, IRS tax law-certified preparers communicate with clients via video chat or phone if they have questions, need anything additional, or to review, finalize, and electronically file the return. Assistance and forms are available in English and Spanish.
Self-filing If clients have income that is $84,000 or less, we can provide them with software that allows them to file their tax returns. IRS tax law-certified volunteers are available to assist as needed.
WHAT ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED TO HAVE MY RETURN PREPARED AND FILED?
You will need the following documents:
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Valid government-issued photo ID for yourself (and spouse, if filing jointly);
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Valid Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all individuals on the return;
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Tax documents showing income such as all W2s and form 1099s;
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If self-employed, income-related documents such as checks, form 1099NEC, and form 1099K and proof of related expenses;
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Proof of expenses such as child and dependent care, student loans, mortgage interest, property taxes, and educational, medical and educator expenses;
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If applicable, form 1095A (NJ Get Covered) and 1099SA (health savings accounts);
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Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of any refunds or a copy of a check;
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A copy of last year’s tax return if not prepared by our program
Please note: Other documents may be necessary based on individual situations.
WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?
Click here to learn what you can do if your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
WHAT IS AN ITIN AND HOW CAN I GET ONE?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS. ITINs are available to taxpayers, qualifying spouses, and dependents who are not eligible for a Social Security number. United Way of Northern New Jersey can help you apply for your ITIN at no cost to you. For more information about ITIN numbers, click here.
HOW IS VITA DIFFERENT THAN GOING TO A PAID PREPARER?
VITA tax preparation is completely free and saves filers an average of $270 per return. VITA tax preparers are IRS tax law-certified volunteers and have completed extensive training. Each completed return undergoes a separate review process to ensure quality and accuracy. VITA never practices predatory lending options such as “instant refunds” or “refund anticipation loans.”
HELP! I STILL HAVE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS.
We are here to help! Send an email to United Way Tax Prep or leave a message at 973.993.1160, x5 and a tax specialist will return your call.