Starting March 7th, the Greater Princeton Branch of AYLUS (GPA) joined Ms. Monica Conover, the Manager of Financial Stability for the United Way of Northern New Jersey Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program every Monday afternoon from 4 to 8 pm.
Having obtained an Intake Certificate on the website of IRS.GOV for this tax season, GPA members Tian Liao, Xing Liao, Meichun Pan, and more, volunteered as the appointment receptionists at one site of United Way (Bound Brook Congregational Church, 209 Church Street), checking in and scanning in the applicants’ documents, then uploading them for review and if qualified, for the free tax filing assistance.
According to United Way, its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will remain online this year due to the ongoing pandemic. The free tax preparation and filing of 2021 state and federal tax returns will occur remotely using an easy-to-use portal featuring secure document uploads, encrypted email communication, and videoconferencing. This free online tax filing service is only open to low- and moderate-income families and individuals, including seniors. Businesses and landlords are not eligible for this service. Free self-preparation software will also be available as will a limited number of drop-off appointments.
Beginning February 1, 2022, visit our secure online portal here to start the tax filing process. Using a computer or your smartphone, you can scan or take pictures of required documents for upload. Through our VITA program, our IRS tax law-certified volunteers will review all documents and communicate with you through video chat or by phone for the entire process. This will include clarifying or obtaining additional information, reviewing the return with you, completing it, and filing it electronically. Our volunteers will also help eligible clients receive any tax credits they are due such as the Child Tax Credit, or CTC, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Assistance and forms will be available in both English and Spanish. Once all documents are uploaded, returns will be prepared for completion within seven to 10 business days.
A limited number of drop-off appointments will be available at selected sites. At the appointment, you will complete an intake form and volunteers will scan your documents. The return will be prepared and can be reviewed through video chat or phone or can be picked up at the drop-off site. Click here to schedule a drop-off appointment or leave a message at 973.993.1160, x529 and a tax specialist will return your call.
