MORRIS COUNTY — United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking volunteers to meet the growing demand for its free tax preparation program, which helps those living paycheck to paycheck avoid the high cost of preparation fees during the upcoming tax season.
Last year, United Way teamed up with the IRS, community partners and local volunteers to file more than 5,800 free tax returns across the region, putting $5.7 million in returns back into residents’ pockets and the local economy.
“We saw a 25 percent increase in the number of families coming to us for help from the previous year,” said United Way CEO John Franklin. “Without the help of committed volunteers, we cannot address this need.”
To learn about the program and speak with current volunteer tax preparers, residents are invited to a breakfast on Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, 200 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge.
For those committing to volunteer, the first step involves watching a one hour webinar that provides an overview of the tax program and the volunteer opportunities available. Three sessions of the webinar are scheduled for:
· October 20 at 5:00 p.m.
· November 1 at 12:00 noon
· November 30 at 5:00 p.m.
“Our volunteers tell us that they actually look forward to tax season because the experience is so rewarding,” Franklin said. “This is a great way to get involved and give back to your community.”
For more information or to register for the webinar or breakfast, email by clicking here, call (973) 993-1160 ext. 529 or visit here.
About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. 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. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call (973) 993-1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.
