The time for filing income taxes is upon us, so for those looking for free tax return preparation, including services specifically for seniors, there are a number of approved sites throughout Mercer County staffed and waiting to offer complimentary assistance.
According to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation, 2022 income tax returns are due at the same time the federal returns are due—either on April 18 for those filing per the calendar year, or on “the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of the fiscal year” for those filing according to that date.
Trained, IRS-certified volunteers are helping with tax returns throughout the state, including AARP’s Tax-Aide programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) services.
AARP’s Tax-Aide programs are designated for any qualified individuals, especially those over 50 and/or with a low to moderate income. No membership is necessary to schedule a consultation, but this year, all locations are operating on a strictly appointment-only basis.
The IRS runs both VITA and TCE services. VITA is largely available for individuals with a low to moderate income, those with disabilities, or to assist those who speak limited English. TCE is tailored for individuals who are 60 or older.
Locations for tax help with no available appointments are, as of press time, the Ewing, Hopewell and Robbinsville branches of the Mercer County Library System, as well as the Hamilton Senior Center. The preparation services at RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center are also suspended until further notice.
AARP Tax-Aide Programs
Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Avenue, Lawrenceville. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Appointments required; call 609-882-9246.
Plainsboro Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointment required; call 609-275-2897. Hindi and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) languages offered.
Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment required; call 609-924-9529, ext. 1220.
Lawrence Senior Center, 30 East Darrah Lane, Lawrenceville. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment required; call 609-844-7048.
Princeton Senior Resource Center, 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required; call 609-751-9699.
West Windsor Senior Center, 271 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment required; call 609-799-9068. Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) languages offered.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County, Spruce Street Community Center, 1040 Spruce Street, Lawrence. Saturdays, 11 p.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins only; no appointments required.
Mercer County Connection, Hamilton Square Shopping Center, 957 Route 33, Hamilton. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Appointment required; call 609-890-9800.
Salvation Army Trenton, 575 East State Street, Trenton. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. Walk-ins only; no appointments required.
United Way of Greater Mercer County, 3150 Brunswick Pike, Suite 230, Lawrenceville. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Appointment required; call 2-1-1, 609-896-1912, or make an appointment on the website, booknow.appointment-plus.com/7g2p93t4.
United Way of Northern New Jersey, online. 24/7. Vita.unitedwaynnj.org.
