United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) is giving the community a critical financial boost. The Free Tax Program (VITA- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) has been in the community for more than 10 years and last year impacted more than 1,600 families. Households that make less than $65,000 annually get their taxes prepared for free by IRS-trained volunteers.
The organization works diligently to assist families struggling to make ends meet and overcome challenges from daily-living and unexpected events such as the loss of a job, the pandemic, and the rising cost of the basics – food, gas, housing, and prescriptions. The program also aims to help families take advantage of all possible tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These credits and savings from tax filing fees help to stabilize and improve family finances.
UWGMC has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Spruce Street Community Center, Hamilton Free Public Library, and Salvation Army Trenton Citadel to host free tax service clinics. Sites are open for walk-ins and by appointment until April 13. To access this free service visit www.uwgmc.org/freetaxprogram.
If individuals would like to file their own federal and state tax returns for free, they can access MyFreeTaxes, powered by TaxSlayer and brought to you by the United Way network. Access this by going to https://myfreetaxes.com.
UWGMC’s mission is to reduce the barriers that many face to getting the assistance they need. In addition to providing free tax preparation, UWGMC is also assisting individuals enroll in Get Covered NJ, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, and Medicaid as well as NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly food stamps).
“Families with limited resources must use every opportunity to overcome the growing economic challenges they face. We are happy to provide a FREE service to help hard-working families access much-needed funds and other resources. At UWGMC, VITA goes beyond the mechanics of filing taxes. It’s about assisting families with getting financially ahead,” said Sandra Toussaint, President, and CEO of United Way of Greater Mercer County.
UWGMC can provide free tax preparation services (VITA) with the help of dedicated volunteers and financial supporters including the IRS, NJ Commission on National and Community Service/Volunteer Generation Fund—within the Department of State, PNC Bank, The Provident Bank Foundation, and Wells Fargo.
For more information about UWGMC’s Free Tax Program, please visit: www.uwgmc.org/freetaxprogram or call 609-896-1912. You can also call 2-1-1, and they will connect you with a location in your area.
