Somerset County’s Volunteer Services and AARP have once again teamed up to provide a Tax-Aide program to help residents prepare their taxes. The free tax-counseling service is available to all county residents, but specifically for older adults, residents with disabilities, and lower-income residents who need help preparing both federal and New Jersey income tax returns.
“Most of us aren’t tax experts, so we might not know about all the new deductions or credits for things like buying an electric car, going to college, or even turning sixty-five,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake. “Somerset County wants to help our residents take advantage of whatever breaks are available to them, and so we’ve brought in the Tax-Aide team to offer free tax preparation appointments through April 15.”
Tax counselors will review and prepare residents’ New Jersey and federal and state tax documents, and then file their documents electronically to allow a more rapid refund, if applicable. To ensure they are up to date on current tax laws and forms for both the federal and state governments, volunteer counselors receive rigorous annual trainings and are tested and certified by the Internal Revenue Service. All volunteers have been background checked by the County’s Sheriff Office.
This year, there will be over 60 volunteers providing direct support to residents at six sites in Somerset County, including: Montgomery, North Branch, Manville, Somerville, Franklin, and Green Brook.
Taxpayers will receive a paper copy of their federal and state returns. Volunteers also can assist with preparing rebate forms for homeowners ages 65 years or older who meet eligibility requirements.
For those who don’t file taxes, consider making an appointment with a volunteer to help prevent identity theft, to ensure available refunds, and to qualify or learn about programs that provide benefits.
Appointment Guidelines
Residents must schedule an appointment to receive tax assistance. Appointments are available through April 15.
Residents are required to bring the following items to their appointment:
- 2024 W-2 forms.
- Bank, broker, and Social Security Statements from tax year 2023.
- Total of all medical expenses and all other deductible expenses from 2023.
- Copy of prior year(s) tax returns.
- Property tax statements from the township with the taxes paid in 2023.
- Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR) forms for homeowners ages 65-years or older who meet eligibility requirements. Bring the following to complete your PTR:
- The blue booklet received in the mail and prior year’s tax return.
- Documentation for property taxes paid and other deductible expenses.
To make an appointment, call the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at (908) 541-5710 after Feb. 1.
