Somerset County Offers Free Tax Help for Seniors and Low-Income Residents Starting February

Somerset County's Volunteer Services and AARP will begin providing free tax preparation help to residents on Feb. 1. The Tax-Aide program serves older adults, people with disabilities, and lower-income residents who need assistance filing federal and New Jersey income tax returns.

Residents can book appointments by calling the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at 908-541-5710. Slots run through April 15, or until they're gone.

"The volunteers in Somerset County's Tax-Aide program are ready to help take the confusion and worry out of tax season," said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, per Patch. "Residents can confidently navigate the process of filing their income taxes, while also saving money and reducing stress, with the help of our professional volunteers."

Last year, 2,282 people called for appointments. Returns brought residents $2,899,078.

About 65 volunteers will provide direct support at six locations across the county: Montgomery, Bridgewater, Manville, Somerville, Franklin, and Green Brook. All volunteers receive annual training. They take tests and earn certification from the Internal Revenue Service. The Somerset County Sheriff's Office conducts background checks on every volunteer.

Tax counselors will review and prepare New Jersey and federal tax documents, then file them electronically. Electronic filing means taxpayers can get a faster refund if they qualify. Taxpayers will receive a paper copy of their federal and state returns.

Volunteers can also help with preparing property tax reimbursement forms for homeowners aged 65 years or older who meet the requirements.

Residents must bring several items to their appointment. These include 2025 W-2 forms, bank and brokerage statements from 2025, pension and Social Security statements from tax year 2025, and a copy of 2024 tax returns.

Other required documents include the total of all medical expenses and all other deductible expenses from 2025. Property tax statements from the township with the taxes paid in 2025 are needed too. Homeowners ages 65 years or older who meet the requirements should bring their PAS-1 book.