News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Melonie Marano, Commissioner Deputy Director
Doug Singleterry, Commissioner | Sara Sooy, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner
Somerset County Offers Free Tax-Aide Program
Residents Can Get Assistance with Tax Preparation
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County’s Volunteer Services and AARP have once again teamed up to provide the Tax-Aide program to help residents prepare their taxes. The free, no-fuss, no-muss, 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 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 then 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.
This year, there will be approximately 57 tax-preparation volunteers providing direct support to residents at six sites in Somerset County, including Montgomery, Martinsville, Manville, Bridgewater, Franklin and Green Brook.
Tax returns are filed electronically, enabling taxpayers to obtain a more rapid refund if they are eligible. Volunteers can also 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 15. Residents are required to bring the following items to their appointment:
- 2021 W-2 forms
- Copy of 2020 tax returns
- Bank, broker and social security statements
- Receipts for medical and other expenses
To make an appointment, call the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at 908-541-5710.
Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services
Volunteer Services recruit people of all ages to volunteer for various county departments and/or programs. The Office of Volunteers oversees the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Handyman Project, Money Management Program, Tax Filing Assistance Program, Tutoring Program, Fall Clean-Up Program, and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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