Free Tax Preparation Is Back: VITA Program Anchors New Newark Prosperity Hub Launch

Feb 5, 2026

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The United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) has officially launched the Newark Prosperity Hub, a comprehensive community resource designed to foster economic mobility. Formerly known as the Newark Asset Building Coalition (NABC), the Hub consolidates the city’s premier financial services into a single digital and physical home.

At a press conference earlier today, UWGN CEO Catherine Wilson was joined by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Dr. Altarik B. White Sr. (Leaders for Life), and Jacqueline Piper (IRS) to celebrate this new chapter in Newark’s wealth-building efforts. “We’ve consolidated the city’s best financial services and programs into one digital and physical home to meet residents exactly where they are,” said Catherine Wilson, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Newark. “The hub guides residents through critical stops on their journey to financial stability, this work represents a true partnership between the city, our partners and the VITA program.”

Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark

VITA Program: Free Tax Assistance for 2026

The launch of the Hub coincides with the start of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) seasonal program. This IRS-sponsored service is a lifeline for residents, particularly ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.

“When wage-earners and family providers are doing everything they can to manage their income wisely, they deserve access to tax prep experts who can guide them toward every tax credit available to them,” said Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark. “With partners like United Way of Greater Newark and Leaders for Life, we can connect residents with IRS-certified accountants for free, in-person, and in most cases, in their neighborhood—or if they prefer, on the Newark Prosperity Hub website in both English and Spanish. We’re grateful to these partners for eight years of dedication to the people of Newark.

Key Benefits of the 2026 VITA Program:

• Income Eligibility: Free for individuals and families making $80,000 or less.

• Direct Savings: Participants save up to $300 in filing fees.

• Maximizing Credits: Volunteers help filers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), which can exceed $7,500.

• Language Support: Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese at select locations.

Closing the Gap in Financial Literacy

With the federal government’s recent cut to the IRS Direct File program, local services like VITA are more critical than ever. In 2025, the program saw a 53% increase in participation, filing over 6,300 returns.