Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell

Basic Needs Information Hub

Most U.S. citizens or permanent residents who work in the U.S. have to file a federal and state tax return with the IRS each year, by the April 15 deadline. Whether you need to file taxes is going to depend on your income, so check if you need to file a tax return.

College students have special tax situations and benefits. Start by learning more about how that affects you or your taxes with this tax information for students. Remember, what you make from your side hustle counts as taxable income. Even if you aren’t required to file, if you worked a part-time or full-time job where taxes were withheld, you may be able to get a refund.

What you need

Getting started as soon as you have all the documents you need is always a good idea.  Here are some of the key things you will need:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all family members
  • Proof of income sources like W-2s and 1099 forms (which are often mailed to you by the people you work for)
  • Proof of expenses like childcare and student loans and medical expenses
  • Copy of last year's federal and state tax returns

You may also need other documents, depending on your situation. There are a few free tax preparation programs in New Jersey for low- and moderate-income households, often offered as part of an IRS program called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).

Step-by-step guide on how to file your taxes.

Get help to file

Digital

  • IRS Free File. Prepare and file your federal income tax online at no cost to you (if you qualify) using guided tax preparation, at an IRS trusted partner site or using Free File Fillable Forms.

Statewide

  • Find a VITA site. Get free tax help with programs for taxpayers who qualify according to their income level (making $89,000 or less), the elderly, the disabled and people who speak limited English.
  • United Way of Northern New Jersey. Free virtual tax preparation for low and moderate-income earners. FYI, businesses and landlords aren't eligible for this program. You can email UnitedWayTaxPrep@UnitedWayNNJ.org or leave a message at 973-993-1160 extension 5 and a tax specialist will return your call.
  • My Free Taxes from United Way. An online portal where individuals and families can file their taxes for free. Includes an option to connect with certified tax assistants. You can also call 866-698-9435.
  • Campaign for Working Families. Offers free support for individuals filing their taxes with in-person, drop-off and virtual services available. You can file virtually here or call 215-454-6483. In-person services are by appointment, for New Jersey locations check this page for hours.
  • New Jersey Citizen Action. Offers tax preparation by phone and with drop-off service for individuals and families with household incomes less than $75,000, in English and Spanish. No face-to-face prep offered. Call 888-829-3711 for more information. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm and Saturdays from 7am to 12pm.

Burlington County

  • Burlington County Public Library System. Select library branches provide residents with free tax preparation assistance with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and the IRS volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Depending on the library branch, appointments are available through April 14.

Essex County

  • United Way Greater Newark. A VITA program, offers free tax preparation services for people with incomes of $66,000 or less.
  • Newark Prosperity Hub.  Get free tax assistance online or in-person from trained, IRS-certified local tax professionals.  Free tax prep sites in Bloomfield Township, Newark, and East Orange, with services offered in Spanish and Portuguese at select locations.

Hudson County

  • HOPES. Assistance with free tax preparation, by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment online or call 201-468-8805. Hudson County locations in Hoboken (301 Garden St), Jersey City (35 Journal Sq. Plaza Ste. 501) and North Bergen (2119 Kennedy Blvd). For individuals and families with incomes ranging from $70,000 to $100,000.

Mercer County

Monmouth County

  • Long Branch Public Library System. Residents can receive free tax preparation based on income or age through VITA and AARP at various branches. Assistance is only available in English; appointments vary by library branch.

Morris County

  • Senior Citizen Tax Preparation. free tax preparation for all residents through VITA/TCE who are quality based on their level of income. Appointments are available through April 8.

Somerset County

  • Somerset Couty Free Tax-Aide Program. Free tax-counseling services available for all county residents, but specifically for older adults, residents with disabilities and lower-income residents who need help with both federal and state income tax returns. Appointments are available through April 15.

Union County

  • HOPES. Assistance with free tax preparation, by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment online or call 201-468-8805. Union County location is in Plainfield (1201 East 7th St). For individuals and families with incomes ranging from $70,000 to $100,000.

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