United Way to Offer Free Tax Preparation Services

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the United Way of Greater Mercer County.

For the second year, United Way of Greater Mercer County (“UWGMC”) will open the United Financial Empowerment Center (“FEC”) offering free tax prep for individuals and families earning under $50,000 as well as Financial Information workshops.

To better serve the community, the FEC will offer expanded hours at two locations.  

Starting Feb. 5, 2013, the FEC will continue at the Princeton Corporate Park Office Complex at 3131 Princeton Pike in Lawrence Township with hours on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Starting Feb. 11, a second site is included at the Crossroads Corporate Center, 3150 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township, with hours on Mondays from 3 to 7 p.m. Free tax preparation will run until April 15th, 2013.

Free tax prep is available to families and individuals who work, but earn low to moderate income. Anyone who has worked full or part time, or is self-employed and earns less than $50,000 could be eligible for the credit.

In 2012, the United Financial Empowerment Partnership prepared 1,063 Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”) tax returns, bringing back $1.52 million into Mercer County. The average tax return was $1,431.00.

“The FEC presents an opportunity for those who work and earn money, to claim what they have earned.  United Way of Greater Mercer County and our partner Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness, have been preparing tax returns since 2005. On average, only 20% of qualifying individuals actually claim EITC.  When a tax return is prepared with the proper credits, the refund can mean the difference between getting ahead or falling behind.” stated Ely Mateo, Assistant Vice President of Resource Investment at United Way of Greater Mercer County. 

Free Financial Information workshops will also be offered and include a series at the Lawrence Senior Center starting Feb. 4, and STRAYER University Lawrenceville Campus starting April 8.

To learn more about the Financial Empowerment Center or to make an appointment, visit www.uwgmc.org/money, email financialempowerment@uwgmc.org, or call (609) 896-1912.