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The Somerset County CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) program,
in partnership with the Emanuel Community Development Corporation
(CDC), offers FREE tax preparation assistance to working, low-wage
earning families and individuals to help them save money and claim
the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits they qualify
to receive. Volunteer to help bring MILLIONS of dollars back into
the pockets of the people who earned it and back into our community!
No Experience Necessary! Emanual CDC works with the IRS
to provide free and easy training to all volunteers.
No Risk Volunteers preparing income tax returns free of
charge are not considered professional preparers by the IRS and
are not held accountable for indirect or non-purposeful errors.
At every site, experienced managers review all work and are always
available to answer questions.
Flexible Schedule The CASH Program has sites in 3 locations
around Somerset County. Sites are open at specific times during
each week from February 1 through April 15. You can volunteer at
any location on dates and times that are convenient for your schedule.
How You Can Help...
Tax Preparers - While some volunteers have
experience in accounting or tax law, anyone can learn to be a
tax preparer. Emanuel CDC’s comprehensive training - approximately
8 hours over several evenings (or online) - focuses on the basics
of tax law and using the automated Tax Wise software.
Site Support - VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
sites require many people to help successfully manage the location
and keep the program running smoothly. Site support volunteers
are needed to greet clients, ensure all documents are present,
and to provide information about additional services being offered.
These volunteers are the first welcoming faces a person sees!
Translators - The CASH program strives to provide
services to all residents who meet income qualifications in the
community. Volunteers fluent in Spanish, as well as other languages,
are critical to the program's success.
When
Volunteers are needed before and during tax season. Training and
preparation begins in January for this annual program.
Program Impact
For individuals and families EITC means more money in the pockets
of low income families and Individuals to help meet basic needs
and accomplish family goals.
For the community, EITC refunds will be spent locally on needed
services support local businesses. Also, more families achieve financial
stability thus reducing their reliance on public assistance and
other
social services.
More Information
If you have questions or would like to volunteer please contact
Lisa Galonardo at (908) 253-6503 or lisa.galonardo@scuw.org.
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