United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) has officially launched a new Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site at the Bloomfield Public Library, offering free tax preparation services to local residents. This new site, strategically opened just ahead of the tax season, is available to Bloomfield community members earning $80,000 or less in taxable income. The service can help residents save up to $248 in tax filing fees, with the added benefit of assisting eligible individuals in claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other valuable tax credits, which can total over $6,000. Tax preparation services will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark, emphasized the significance of the VITA program: “The VITA program plays a critical role in our mission to build thriving communities. We are dedicated to helping residents achieve financial stability, ensuring they can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. These credits provide powerful financial relief, helping individuals and families stay out of poverty.”
The new VITA site aims to complete up to 200 tax filings at the Bloomfield location, with an estimated $250,000 to $350,000 in tax refunds expected for residents. UWGN predicts that, based on past tax refunds, an additional $35,000 to $45,000 in avoided tax filing fees will be saved by the community.
Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell expressed her appreciation for the partnership: “I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to United Way of Greater Newark for bringing the VITA program to Bloomfield. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring that all residents have the resources they need to thrive. Free tax preparation services can make a significant difference, helping families keep more of their hard-earned money, which is essential for their financial well-being.”
With tax season upon us, this expansion of the VITA program couldn’t come at a better time, especially as UWGN encourages residents to file any outstanding back taxes, as 2023 marks the final year to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
Holly Belli, Director of the Bloomfield Public Library, shared her enthusiasm for the new service: “We are excited to host the VITA program at the Bloomfield Public Library. As a trusted community resource, we are committed to providing services that directly support the needs of our residents. This partnership with United Way of Greater Newark will make a real difference in helping people navigate tax season with confidence.”
The VITA program is part of the Newark Free Tax Prep initiative, operating under the Newark Asset Building Coalition (NABC). Since 2018, this initiative has helped prepare over 38,600 tax returns, saving the community more than $9.8 million in filing fees. The program is designed to assist households in Newark, where nearly half of residents fall into the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category.
To register for an appointment at the Bloomfield Public Library, visit this link. For more information or to access free tax assistance online, visit www.getyourrefund.org/UWGN.
United Way of Greater Newark encourages residents to take advantage of these services to receive the full benefits they are entitled to, including valuable tax credits. Learn more about how to support this vital program at www.uwnewark.org.
