Somerset County Offers Free Tax-Aide Program

Appointments begin on February 1

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County’s Volunteer Services and AARP are teaming up again to provide the Tax-Aide program to help residents prepare their taxes. The free tax-counseling service is available to all county residents, but designed specifically for older adults, residents with disabilities, and lower-income residents who need help preparing federal and New Jersey income tax returns.

“Our Tax-Aide volunteers help ease some of the stress for our residents during tax season by providing this free and valuable service,” said County Commissioner Paul M. Drake. “The truth is income tax forms can be confusing for anyone, and a little help from these trusted professionals can not only ease the tax preparation process, but help residents save money.”

Tax counselors will review and prepare residents’ New Jersey and federal tax documents and file their documents electronically. To ensure they are up to date on current tax laws and forms for both the federal and state governments, volunteer counselors receive annual training and are tested and certified by the Internal Revenue Service and have had their backgrounds checked by Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo’s office.

This year, there will be approximately 57 volunteers providing direct support to residents at six sites in Somerset County, including Montgomery, North Branch, Manville, Bridgewater, Franklin, and Green Brook.

Tax returns are filed electronically, enabling taxpayers to obtain a more rapid refund if they are eligible.  Taxpayers will receive a paper copy of their federal and state returns. Volunteers also can assist with preparing Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR) forms for homeowners ages 65-years or older who meet eligibility requirements.

Appointment Guidelines
Residents must schedule an appointment to receive tax assistance. Appointments are available through April 17. Residents are required to bring the following items to their appointment:

• 2022 W-2 forms
• Bank, broker, and Social Security Statements from tax year 2022
• Total of all medical expenses and all other deductible expenses from 2022
• Copy of 2021 tax returns
• Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR) forms for homeowners ages 65-years or older who meet eligibility requirements.  Please 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 Wednesday, February 1.

Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services recruits people of all ages to volunteer for various county departments and/or non-profit programs. The Office of Volunteers oversee the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Handyman Project, Tax Filing Assistance Program, Tutoring Program, Fall Clean-Up Program. 

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