Calendar with red check on 15, 1040 tax form, and cash

Taxes

FREE TAX PREPARATION
UNITED WAY CAN HELP

Beginning in late January, United Way of Hunterdon County provides FREE tax preparation for ALICE individuals and families and those in poverty.

VITA, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is an Internal Revenue Service program that offers free tax filing to low- and moderate-income households through various partner organizations. United Way partners with the IRS, Senior Centers, business owners, and a corps of community volunteers who have completed extensive IRS training to serve as tax law-certified preparers. This service is available to individuals and families only. Businesses and landlords are not eligible for this service.

Through our free tax prep program, we ensure all appropriate deductions and credits are claimed to maximize refunds. We also help households that are struggling to afford life’s basics, save hundreds in tax preparer fees.

Interested in Becoming a VITA Volunteer?

Make a difference in your community this tax season by joining United Way of Hunterdon County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team. VITA provides free tax preparation assistance to qualifying individuals and families in our community, and volunteers are what make the program possible.

No tax experience? No problem!

Training, support, and IRS certification are provided. There are several ways to get involved based on your skills and interests, including:

Tax Preparers

Help prepare tax returns using IRS-approved software.

Front Desk Facilitators

Welcome clients, assist with check-in and paperwork, and help our sites run smoothly.

Spanish-Speaking Translators

Help Spanish-speaking clients communicate comfortably with our VITA team.

Experienced Volunteers/Quality Reviewers

Use previous tax or VITA experience to support volunteers and review returns.

Volunteer opportunities are available at VITA sites throughout Hunterdon County, including Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, and Milford.

Interested in learning more or joining the team? Complete our VITA Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll follow up with information about VITA 101, training, certification, scheduling, and next steps.

I’m Interested in Volunteering

FILE YOUR TAXES FOR FREE
United Way of Hunterdon County offers low- and moderate-income families and individuals three ways to file their state and federal tax returns for free. By using our tax preparation and filing services, households save hundreds in tax preparer fees. (Businesses and landlords are not eligible.) Whichever option you choose, our IRS tax law-certified volunteers are here to help ensure you claim all the credits you are eligible for and get back what you are owed. Assistance in Spanish is available through our online portal, when using our free software, at many of our in-person appointments and at some of our drop-off appointments.

Appointments can be scheduled by completing this information form. A member of our team will be in touch to schedule your appointment. Day, evening and weekend appointments are available.

TAX CREDIT INFORMATION & ELIGIBILITY

Our IRS tax law-certified volunteers can assist you in determining your eligibility for specialized tax credits that can reduce a household's tax burden.

Click on the links below to learn more:

IRS WITHHOLDING CALCULATOR

Some individuals may benefit from having less money withheld from their paychecks, giving them more money now to help pay bills or build savings. Others may not have enough withheld from their paychecks and end up having to pay back the government at tax time. For help determining the best option for you, click here to access the IRS withholding calculator

YOUR RETURN STATUS

If you are receiving a tax refund, you can check the status of it by clicking here. To check the status of an amended return, click here.

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AND YOUR TAXES

If you have obtained insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and not through another source such as your employer or a government-sponsored plan, you may be eligible for a Premium Tax Credit to help you pay for that coverage. Click here to learn more.

While there is no longer a requirement to have health insurance at the federal level, New Jersey requires that you and each member of your family do one of the following:

Have health care coverage, called minimum essential coverage, in every month of the year;
Qualify for an exemption from coverage;
Make a shared responsibility payment when you file your federal income tax return.

TAXPAYER ADVOCATE SERVICES

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS and is your voice at the IRS. Its job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights as a taxpayer. It offers free help to guide you through the often-confusing process of resolving tax problems that you have not been able to solve on your own. Remember, the worst thing you can do is nothing at all. Click here to find your local office.

TAX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS FREE TAX PREP OR VITA?

VITA which stands for Volunteer Tax Income Tax Assistance is an Internal IRES Revenue Service Program that offers free tax filing to low and moderate income households. Through partnership with local volunteers we help local residents file an average of 1700 free tax returns each year.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS FREE SERVICE?

This service is only open to individuals and families with low- to moderate-income. Businesses and landlords are not eligible. Also, there are certain tax situations that are out of scope for this program including but not limited to: rental income, cryptocurrency, business loss, farm income, solar energy credits, and clean vehicle credits.

WHAT IF I CAN'T FIND MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?

Click here to learn what you can do if your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.

WHAT IS AN ITIN AND HOW CAN I GET ONE?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS. ITINs are available to taxpayers, qualifying spouses, and dependents who are not eligible for a Social Security number. United Way of Hunterdon Countycan help you apply for your ITIN at no cost to you.  For more information about ITIN numbers, click here.

HOW IS VITA DIFFERENT THAN GOING TO A PAID PREPARER?

VITA tax preparation is completely free and saves filers an average of $300 per return. VITA tax preparers are IRS tax law-certified volunteers and have completed extensive training. Each completed return undergoes a separate review process to ensure quality and accuracy. VITA never practices predatory lending options such as “instant refunds” or “refund anticipation loans.”

HELP! I STILL HAVE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS!

We're here to help! You can email us here.

UNITED WAY CAN HELP

Beginning in late January, United Way of Hunterdon county provides FREE tax preparation for ALICE individuals and families and those in poverty. VITA, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is an Internal Revenue Service program that offers free tax filing to low-and-moderate income households through various partner organizations. United Way partners with the IRS, senior centers, business owners and a corps of community volunteers who have completed extensive IRS training to serve as tax law certified preparers. This service is available to individuals and families only. Businesses and landlords are not eligible for this service. Through our free tax prep program, we ensure all appropriate deductions and credits are claimed to maximize refunds. We also help households that are struggling to afford life's basics, save hundreds in tax preparation fees.

Documents to Bring

The following are the documents you need to bring to your upcoming tax appointment or to prepare your taxes online. If you have questions about the IRS required documentation, please see their website here.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BRING HERE.

Identification (Required)
- Original documents only.
- Photo ID (drivers license, passport) for ALL FILERS
- Social Security Card (NOT photos) for you, your spouse, and all dependents. Social Security recipients may use Form 1099-SSA.
- If no SSN, an ITIN is required. UWHC can assist you with an ITIN creation or renewal.
IRS Letters. Please bring any correspondence from the IRS.
Financial Records (as applicable):
- W-2, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, 1099-K from all employers.
- W-2G Gambling winnings and record of losses.
- 1099 Forms (as appropriate)
  - 1099-B Brokerage Account
  - 1099-C Cancellation of Debt
  - 1099-G - Unemployment
  - 1099-INT/1099 DIV
  - 1099-R Retirement/Pension/Annuity
  - 1099-SSA Social Security
- Total overtime pay statement from employer.
- Final Paystub of 2025
- Record of estimated tax payments to IRS and/or State.
- Copy of 2024 federal and state tax returns
Additional Federal and NJ Information
- Charitable contributions (total cash and in-kind donations)
- Childcare expenses with providers EIN/SSN and address.
- Identify Protection PIN if you are a victim of identity fraud.
- Medical expenses (total of premiums and out of pocket expenses)
- Rent (monthly amount)
Educational Expenses
- 1098-T Tuition, scholarships and grants
- 1098-E Student loan interest
- Proof of other education expenses.
Healthcare
- 1095-A Marketplace health insurance statement
- 1095-B Health coverage statement
- 1095-C Employer provided health insurance statement
- 1099-SA / 5498-SA Health Savings Account contributions / distributions
Self-Employed / Cash-Only Earners
- Business expenses and mileage log
- Total income earned in 2025
- Tip income from tip log or company statements (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Homeowners
- NJ Property taxes paid - bill or “Green/White card”
- PA County/Township tax and School tax statements
- 1098 Mortgage interest (2 or more if mortgage sold/transferred)
- NJ ANCHOR rebate amount and Senior Freeze amount (if applicable)
New Car Loan Interest (if purchased in 2025)
- Vehicle VIN# (from insurance or registration card)
- Date vehicle was purchased in 2025
- Total car loan interest paid in 2025 (annual/last statement from lender)
Direct Deposit
- Voided check or bank routing number and account number

THIS YEAR THE IRS REQUIRES A REFUNDS TO BE PROCESSED VIA DIRECT DEPOSIT. YOU WILL NEED A BANK ACCOUNT IF YOU ANTICIPATE A REFUND.

Forms to Complete

There are several forms you need to complete prior to having your taxes done with the United Way of Hunterdon County. You can download and complete them here and bring them to your appointment. Doing so in advance will help ensure your appointment runs smoothly and can start on time. If you do not have access to a printer or need assistance completing these forms, you can pick up forms from our Volunteer Center located at 20 Fulper Road or plan to arrive 15 minutes early to your tax appointment to complete.

The following are forms we ask that you download, complete and bring to your appointments in person. Doing so in advance will help ensure your appointment runs as efficiently as possible. If you are unable to bring these to the appointment, please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early and complete on site. If you are unable to print, you can pick up these documents at our Volunteer Center.

Form 13614 (This is an IRS Consent Form)

UWHC Information Form

Printable What To Bring Checklist

THIS YEAR THE IRS REQUIRES A REFUNDS TO BE PROCESSED VIA DIRECT DEPOSIT. YOU WILL NEED A BANK ACCOUNT IF YOU ANTICIPATE A REFUND.

SCHEDULE A TAX APPOINTMENT

Elderly woman and volunteer reviewing tax documents

To request an appointment, complete this information form and a member of our team will be in touch to help you find a date, time and location that works for you. We have weekday, weekend, day and evening appointments available.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Prepare Your Own Taxes Free

Feeling confident about filing your own taxes? You can do so on your own, online for free using our IRS approved site.

Make $89,000 or less
State and Federal filings
Schedule C for self-employed filers

Start Filing Today

Prepare Your Own Taxes Free

Want to file your taxes on your own, however feel like you might need some assistance? We offer a virtual assistance program that connects you with an trained tax support volunteer for assistance if and when you need it.

Start Filing Today

Prepare For Your Tax Appointment

Volunteer assisting elderly woman with taxes

Smiling woman with measuring tape and pincushion

On a fixed income, it is important to me that I maximize my return. The VITA volunteers help me do that each year. They have done my taxes for years, its like having a trusted friend helping me navigate and save.

VITA Participant

Taxes

FREE TAX PREPARATION
UNITED WAY CAN HELP