United Way offers free tax filing tool

Morristown – 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, easy and free way for individuals or families earning less than $66,000 to file their federal and state taxes. For filers earning above $66,000, some fees will apply. This year’s filing deadline is April 15.
For the past 10 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, especially since this year is our first under the new tax code,” United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin said. “Many are worried they’ll make a mistake, won’t get their full refund or will pay too much. With MyFreeTaxes.com, filers can get support from IRS-certified specialists and cut down the time it takes to complete their returns.”
MyFreeTaxes.com users get access to an H&R Block premium product with features to ensure filers get every dollar they deserve:
• Ability to upload image of your W-2, allowing MyFreeTaxes.com to automatically fill in your information;
• Screening for credit and deduction eligibility such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, to ensure filers receive their maximum tax refund;
• 24/7 tax help within the software from a virtual assistant;
• Refund RevealTM shows filers how and why their refund amount is changing in real time; and
• Advanced functionality for those working in the gig economy.
Taxpayers earning less than $66,000 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.
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, Single Stop 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.
This free 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, United Way and its partners made it possible for nearly 5,800 households to file their taxes for free, refunding more than $6.4 million and saving residents more than $1.5 million in tax preparation costs.
United Way in-person tax preparation sites are open in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties. To make an 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.
About H&R BlockH&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a global consumer tax services provider. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block tax software products for the DIY consumer. H&R Block also offers adjacent Tax Plus products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom.