Local United Way advises use of free online tax tool

With the end of tax season fast approaching, there’s good news for area residents who still haven’t filed. MyFreeTaxes.com allows most filers to complete their taxes in under one hour, according to United Way of Northern New Jersey.

MyFreeTaxes.com is a safe and easy way for individuals and families to file their simple returns for free. This year’s filing deadline is April 15.

For the past 11 years, United Ways across the country have partnered with H&R Block to provide free online tax filing services for federal and state taxes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since that time, this partnership has helped more than a million people file their returns, bringing nearly $2 billion in refunds back to local communities.

“Tax season is a source of confusion and stress for most Americans,” United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso said. “Many are worried they’ll make a mistake, won’t get their full refund or will pay too much. With MyFreeTaxes.com, filers have the support of a proven software provider in H&R Block.”
MyFreeTaxes.com users get access to H&R Block’s online tax filing product, which helps filers navigate their return so they get every dollar they deserve. in real time.

Taxpayers can enter their data through MyFreeTaxes.com, which links to a secure H&R Block website, making it easy to complete their taxes from home, at work or on mobile devices.

MyFreeTaxes.com users can file simple federal and up to three simple state returns for free. Simple tax situations covered for free include: W-2 income; limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV; student education expenses, credits or student loan interest; unemployment income; claiming the standard deduction; Earned Income Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; and child and dependent care expenses.

New this year, MyFreeTaxes.com no longer provides a free return to filers who are self-employed. These filers will need to report all of their income and expenses on a Schedule C form, which is not included in the MyFreeTaxes software. Self-employed filers will pay $24.99 for a federal return and $18.50 for each state return.

Along with MyFreeTaxes.com, area residents living paycheck to paycheck also have the option of free in-person tax preparation. United Way of Northern New Jersey, in conjunction with NORWESCAP RSVP, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Partners for Health Foundation and the IRS, offers a free tax preparation program throughout its five-county region. Residents meet one-on-one with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file both state and federal returns for free. Returns for self-employed individuals can also be completed for free at these in-person sites.

United Way’s free in-person tax preparation service is designed to help the 38 percent of New Jersey households identified by United Way research as living below the ALICE Threshold and 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 them the average $270 fee paid tax preparers charge.

Last year more than 6,000 households filed their taxes using the free program, saving $1.6 million in tax preparation costs and getting back more than $6.6 million.

United Way in-person tax preparation sites are open in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties. To make a required appointment at a free tax site or to find out more information about MyFreeTaxes.com, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/FreeTaxPrep.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve life for families and individuals in our five-county footprint who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty. We believe when those who are struggling to afford the basics can succeed, all communities win. By focusing on Education, Financial Stability, and Health, we are helping ALICE now and in the long term. We do this through our initiatives that fill gaps in services, community partnerships, public policy work, and volunteer efforts. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona. To learn more, call 973.993.1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.