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You or someone that you know could be missing out on thousands
of dollars!
***To make an appointment in Somerset County call 908-253-6511***
Each year, Somerset County residents miss out on millions of dollars
by not claiming the EITC and other credits on their federal and
New Jersey state tax returns. The EITC is a federal and state tax
credit available to many low-to-moderate income working families
and individuals. This credit is not based on taxes withheld from
a person's paycheck, but instead on how much total income a taxpayer
earned over the course of a year. A low-income family in New Jersey
with two or more children could qualify for as much as $5,659 in
federal and state tax credits for the 2007 tax year. Additionally,
taxpayers can file a return and claim the EITC for three prior years
if not claimed previously. These dollars can be turned into savings
or invested in the local economy. It can help build the financial
assets of a family and move them forward on their path to self-sufficiency.
Even though the EITC has been around for many years, many taxpayers
are unaware of the tax credits for which they qualify under federal
and state tax codes. When taxpayers do claim the credits, they often
lose much of their return to high commercial preparation fees, "rapid
refund" loans, and check-cashing operations. Any opportunity
for asset-building then becomes lost or diminished.
Somerset County United Way is working with the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS), Emanuel Community Development Corporation, New Jersey
2-1-1, the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, and
local community based organizations and businesses to help spread
the message about the importance of this tax credit.
Goals of the Somerset County C.A.S.H. Program/EITC are:
*to ensure that more families are fully aware of tax credits available
to them
*to link low-income families to free or low cost tax assistance
avoiding high priced tax preparation services
*to encourage more families to use their tax credits to create savings,
build assets and increase their financial stability
*to offer families opportunities, resources and tools to enable
them to strengthen their financial situations
In addition to the income requirements, there are additional rules
the taxpayer must meet in order to be eligible. For additional information
about EITC, please click here. http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html
How You Can Help...
Volunteer through the CASH program as a tax preparer, translator,
or site support. Visit the CASH program page
by clicking here.
Free Tax Preparation & Earned Income Tax Credit Site
Locations
Our scheduling includes day, evening and weekend hours in order
to make the service available for as many people as possible. Everyone
who needs assistance should bring two forms of ID, including one
with a photo, their 2006 tax returns, 2007 W-2s and any relevant
forms. Site locations, days and hours are listed below, but APPOINTMENTS
ARE REQUIRED FOR SERVICE. Spanish speaking volunteers are available.
Electronic filing is will occur at all of the sites, which are listed
below.
BOUND BROOK
Bound Brook Presbyterian Church*
409 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ
Monday and Friday evenings, Friday and Saturday daytimes
By appointment only, contact Irene at 908-253-6511
Congregational Church of Bound Brook *
209 Church Street, Bound Brook, NJ
Tuesdays evenings starting February 5 through April 15
By appointment only, contact Irene at 908-253-6511
Middle Earth Drop-In Center*
405 East Main Street, Bound Brook, NJ
Thursday daytime and early evenings starting February 14 through
April 10
By appointment only, contact Irene at 908-253-6511
BRANCHBURG *
Raritan Valley Community College
Route 28 and Lamington Road, North Branch, NJ
Monday daytime and evening hours, February 11 through April 14
By appointment only, contact Irene at 908-253-6511
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP*
First Baptist Community Development Corporation
630 Franklin Boulevard, Somerset, NJ
Tuesday evenings by appointment and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., walk-ins
welcome
Please contact Carla Beverly at 732-247-0444 x1005
RARITAN BOROUGH *
Washington Mutual Bank
300 Orlando Drive, Raritan, NJ
Monday specific evenings, Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings
By appointment only, contact Irene at 908-253-6511
OTHER SITES (Managed through the AARP) – MUST MAKE APPOINTMENTS
Washington School, Raritan, NJ
Somerset County Library, Bridgewater, NJ
Manville Public Library, Manville, NJ
Hillsborough Public Library, Hillsborough, NJ
Bound Brook Public Library, Bound Brook, NJ
Franklin Township Senior Center, Somerset, NJ
Warrenbrook Park Nutrition Center, Warren, NJ
For information or to make an appointment, call 908-541-5710
* denotes electronic filing
How You Can Help...
Volunteer through the CASH program as a tax preparer, translator,
or site support. Visit the CASH program page
by clicking here.
When
Volunteers are needed before and during tax season. Training and
preparation begins in January for this annual program.
Project 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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