Eligible residents can get their taxes prepared for free starting Feb. 3 at tax sites run by United Way of Northern New Jersey, which include three sites in Warren County: Blairstown Public Library, Warren County Library – Blairstown, and Independence Library (Northeast).

This free service is designed to help the 38 percent of New Jersey households who are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to afford necessities. 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 $270 fee paid tax preparers charge. 

“When you are working hard but still struggling to afford the basics, every dollar counts,” said United Way Senior Vice President Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “That’s why United Way is dedicated to working with our community partners and highly trained volunteers to help ALICE families get back every dollar they deserve and need.”

Appointments with an IRS-certified volunteer will be available for all schedules, including day, night, and weekend availability. Local and federal taxes will be included.

To make an appointment at a free tax site please call (973) 993-1160 ext. 521 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep. Households of any income level also have the option of filing their simple—no schedule C, D or E—tax returns for free online using MyFreeTaxes.com.

Last year, United Way and its partners made it possible for more than 6,000 households nationwide to file their taxes for free, refunding $6.6 million and saving residents $1.5 million in tax preparation costs.

These free services are available only to low- and moderate-income families and individuals, not to business owners or landlords.