Free tax preparation with bilingual tax preparers seems too good to be true but with the tax filing deadline approaching quickly, you can take advantage of the United Way of Central Jersey’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The organization has offered this program since 2007, and it runs year-round. Charmaine Rodriguez, VITA Program Director (Volunteer Engagement & Volunteer Income Tax Program/VITA), spoke with us about the program and why it is important to take advantage of such an opportunity, especially for seniors, low-income residents, and those who do not speak English fluently or might need extra help.
“The program is offered to all residents in the state regardless of their location,” said Charmaine. “You do not need to live in United Way of Central Jersey’s area of service to apply for the program,” she clarified.
The VITA program offers free tax help to people who make $66,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to those who qualify for the program. Some volunteers speak Spanish and can help taxpayer clients who need that extra help.
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Take advantage of free tax preparation
Due to Covid-19, VITA’s services will continue remotely to continue to keep people safe, with various options for delivering your documents.
“We have been working through concerns regarding the current health emergency,” said Gloria Aftanski, Chief Professional Officer at UWCJ. “We will continue to provide tax return preparation services, but on an online/virtual basis, and we are also trying to accommodate those who do not have access to a computer or cannot drive to our location to drop off the forms,” she said.
You can submit your documents by:
- Uploading documents digitally
- Dropping off your documents at a lockbox location (no contact)
- Mailing copies of your documents (no contact)
- Preparing documents yourself – MyFreeTaxes.com
- Curbside drop-off and pick up (by appointment only, limited contact)
No matter how you choose to submit your documents, a volunteer preparer will still prepare your taxes and returns will still be reviewed by VITA’s quality reviewer to ensure accuracy.
So if you are eligible, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!
To schedule your appointment, please follow these steps:
- Click to Schedule an Appointment to Have Your 2020 Federal and/or State Taxes Prepared.
- Call 732-247-3730 to make an appointment by phone.
- Check list of what you need to complete your intake
Financial Counseling Information:
You can find information on becoming a VITA volunteer here.
