Free tax preparation offered at Humboldt County Library

Just in time for the start of tax season on January 19, United Way of Northern New Jersey is providing five resources, including free tax preparation, to help ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and poverty-level residents get the most from their federal and state tax returns.

Thank you for spreading the word about free tax filing services and EITC for working people in our area. Volunteers trained in cooperation with IRS and AARP will be available every Tuesday, Feb 9 – April 12 from 9 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. This service is available to anyone with low or middle income. New research suggests that income from tax credits benefits children over their lifetimes.

“Of course, it’s a choice always to go to paid prepare or to do it at home”. To file a joint return, both husband and wife must attend the tax session. Last year, VITA volunteers filed almost 29,000 tax returns across the region. All taxpayers will reportedly see a slight bump in the standard deduction, and the personal exemption amount has also gone up for 2015.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the largest free tax assistance and preparation service in the country. “With an average refund of more than $2,200”, he says. Taxpayers can track the status of their refund with the “Where’s My Refund?”

Taxpayers are responsible for the accuracy of their tax return even if someone else prepares it for them. “Not only will they save money on the tax preparation, they will learn about ways they can become stronger financially”, said Cary Gladstone, Director of Asset Building for Granite United Way. Deliberate errors can have lasting impact on future eligibility to claim EITC and leave taxpayers with a penalty.

EITC provides a financial boost for millions of hard-working Americans.

There is a qualifying income bracket to participate in the program.

Because the credit is only available for individuals who are employed, the EITC creates an incentive for people to hold jobs, Perusi said.