Financial Stability Partnership

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United Way of Hunterdon County’s Financial Stability Partnership is helping hard working people and their families in Hunterdon County become financially stable and take the next steps to long-term independence. Right here in Hunterdon County, too many families are walking a financial tightrope – barely getting by, with no ability to save for college, a home, or retirement. That’s why we are working together with our partners, both public and private, to transform that financial tightrope into solid ground.

The Financial Stability Partnership is working to bring increased awareness of, and access to, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to hard working people in our community. Recognizing the potential economic benefits of the EITC to both families and communities, United Way of Hunterdon County launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in February 2009. 

The goal of the VITA site is threefold:
       Ensure that clients receive all of the credits they are eligible for
       Prepare tax returns at no cost to lower-income clients
       Increase awareness of the Earned Income Tax credit

The EITC is the largest and most effective federal aid program for low- to moderate-income workers.  For households who had their tax returns prepared at our VITA site, refunds including, EITC, increased their annual income by an average of 15%.

Eligibility for the EITC is based on income level, marital status, and number of dependent children.  As an individual or family’s earned income rises, so does the amount of EITC they are eligible for, providing an incentive to obtain and maintain employment. The credit then begins to decrease as an individual or family reaches an income level that allows them a measure of self-sufficiency.

The Financial Stability Partnership is currently looking for volunteers to become certified volunteer tax assistors, volunteer screeners and volunteer computer specialists.  Online training from the IRS is now available for those who are interested in becoming volunteer tax preparers. Click here for online IRS training