UNITED WAY OFFERS FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES

Each year, millions of Americans are able to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, but don't realize they qualify or don't know how to claim it.  In Hunterdon County, it is estimated that as much as 30% of those eligible to claim the credit fail to do so.  United Way of Hunterdon County wants to change that.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a valuable tax break for hardworking individuals who may earn as much as $42,000.  Workers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit also may qualify for free tax preparation assistance.  Community volunteers have been trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service and are available to prepare tax returns for Hunterdon County residents free of charge.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit can raise the annual incomes of lower income workers by as much as 15%," said Sarah Jacobi, Community Impact Director at United Way of Hunterdon County, who is also a certified Volunteer Tax Preparer.  "Not claiming the credit means missing an opportunity to pay less federal income tax, pay no tax, or receive a larger refund."

"Given the current economic downturn, many people's income may have changed.  Even if they were not eligible to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit last year, they may be eligible this year.  We want Hunterdon County residents to know that we are here to help," added Bonnie Duncan, Executive Director at United Way of Hunterdon County.

To raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit and increase participation among those who qualify, the Internal Revenue Service and its community partners host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites at locations around the country, offering free tax preparation and assistance to attendees.  Volunteers are available to help taxpayers learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit, including whether or not they qualify and how to claim the credit.  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free tax to low-to-moderate income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

Hunterdon County residents who worked last year and earned under $42,000 may be eligible for free tax preparation.  United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site in Flemington is open February 2 until April 15.  For more information or to make an appointment, contact Sarah Jacobi at (908) 782-3414, ext. 28.

Feb 2009