Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The Problem

In 2007, the IRS reported that, in Hunterdon County:

Approximately 25% of households who are income eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (over 600 households) did not claim the credit.
62% of Earned Income Tax Credit filers used a paid preparer, at an approximate cost of over $375,000.

We also know that:

In 2009, an estimated 2 in 5 households in Hunterdon County were housing cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their income on housing.
To afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent, a household would need to earn $56,360 per year (approximately $30/hour). An employee earning minimum wage ($7.25/hour) would need to work 149 hours per week, 52 weeks a year.
The 2008 Self-Sufficiency Standard estimates that a family of four living in Hunterdon County needs an income of over $72,000 to have a safe and decent, though basic standard of living. Over ¼ of households in Hunterdon County earned less than $60,000 and 35% earn less than $75,000.

Last year, United Way of Hunterdon County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site:

Returned $209,335 to Hunterdon County residents, including:
    - $185,183 in Federal refunds
             - 62,585 in Federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC)
    - $24,152 in State refunds
             - $12,288 in State Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC)
Filed 154 returns

Had over 215 volunteer hours dedicated
Saved clients approximately $38,500 in preparation fees
Raised clients' Adjusted Gross Income by 15%, with an average refund over $1,359

To find out to schedule an appointment, visit our free tax preparation page.