Free Tax Preparation Store Opens at the Monmouth Mall
February 2, 2016 for Qualified Families
Staffed by IRS-trained Volunteers
February 2, 2016 – Neptune, NJ – The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties announced a new Free Tax Preparation Store open from February 2nd through tax season at the Monmouth Mall (next to Boscov’s on the upper level) for qualified families. Preparers are trained and certified at the advanced level through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. VITA is a free, IRS-sponsored program to help low and middle income workers have their federal and state personal income taxes prepared and filed at no cost.
This year, the maximum combined federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund has increased to up to $8,114, but a tax return must be filed to claim it. Qualified families with incomes of $53,267 or less qualify for free tax preparation. Households with incomes under $62,000 also qualify for free help at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.
Free tax preparation will also be available in other locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including the Meridian Community Center at the Freehold Mall and Ocean County Connections at the Ocean Mall. For a full list of locations, please visitwww.fulfillnj.org or call 732-643-5888 to set up an appointment or get further information.
“Many qualified families are not aware that they are eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Barbara Scholz, Program Director at the FoodBank. “Just by filing an income tax return, these families can use that refund to pay for household bills, necessities, medical expenses or savings. It’s a real help, and they don’t have to pay someone to prepare their return, which is the reason many people who are aware, do not apply for it.”
Stop by the new store to set up an appointment and get information about what you need to bring with you. Walk-ins are welcome. Bilingual advisors are available.
