At Progressive Center for Independent Living, we are passionate about helping people living with disabilities in Mercer and Hunterdon County, NJ, live as independently as possible. With tax season upon us, we wanted to provide some helpful information that may be useful when navigating this time of year.
Disclaimer: Progressive Center for Independent Living does not provide tax advice and is not qualified to do so. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. We strongly encourage individuals to consult with a licensed tax professional, certified public accountant (CPA), or tax preparer for personalized guidance.
Tax Preparation Assistance for People with Disabilities in Mercer County and Hunterdon County New Jersey
Filing taxes can be an overwhelming process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Fortunately, there are free and low-cost tax assistance services available in Mercer and Hunterdon Counties who are familiar with tax benefits for people with disabilities that can help you understand what credits and deductions you may qualify for, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table. Whether you need in-person support or virtual assistance, the following resources can help:
Hunterdon County
Fisherman’s Mark – A local organization dedicated to helping individuals in need with tax preparation services.
Location: 60 Wilson St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Phone: 908-237-1689
United Way of Northern New Jersey - Virtual Portal – Offers an easy-to-use online tax filing portal with expert support.
Phone: 973-993-1160, ext. 521
Milford Riegel Ridge Community Center – Providing community-based support for those needing tax assistance.
Location: 910 Milford Warren Glen Rd, Milford, NJ 08848
Phone: 908-237-1689
North County Branch Library – A trusted source for tax prep help through library-sponsored programs.
Location: 65 Halstead St, Clinton, NJ 08809
Phone: 908-237-1689
United Way of Hunterdon County Volunteer Center – Volunteers help low-income individuals and people with disabilities file their taxes correctly.
Location: 20 Fulper Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822
Phone: 908-237-1689
Mercer County
United Way of Greater Mercer County – Provides free tax filing services and financial literacy programs.
Location: 3444 Quaker Bridge Rd, Bldg 3, Ste 101, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-896-1912
Lawrence Headquarters Branch Library – Offering community-driven tax prep resources.
Location: 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Phone: 609-882-9246
Hamilton Public Library – A reliable location for accessing tax assistance information.
Location: 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, Trenton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-896-1912
Salvation Army Trenton – Providing support to individuals needing help filing their taxes.
Location: 575 E State Street, Trenton, NJ 08609
Boys and Girls Club Spruce Street Community Center – Connecting community members with vital financial services.
Location: 1040 Spruce St, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Hollowbrook Branch Library – Offering financial literacy resources including tax assistance.
Location: 320 Hollowbrook Dr, Ewing, NJ 08638
Phone: 609-883-5914
Online
AARP Foundation – A trusted name in tax assistance for seniors and those with disabilities.
Website: aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp
Key Tax Benefits for People with Disabilities
Tax season isn’t just about filing paperwork—it’s also an opportunity to ensure you’re taking full advantage of the benefits available to you. Many people overlook valuable tax credits and deductions that can make a real financial difference. If you or someone in your household has a disability, there may be specific tax breaks that apply to you. Understanding these benefits can help reduce your tax burden and even put more money back in your pocket.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A substantial credit designed for low-to-moderate-income workers, the EITC can provide significant tax relief—even if you don’t owe taxes.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: If you have expenses related to caring for a dependent with disabilities while you work or attend school, you may qualify for this helpful tax credit.
Medical Expense Deductions: Many out-of-pocket medical expenses, including assistive devices, home modifications, and prescription medications, can be deducted from your taxable income.
Disability-Related Work Expenses: If you incur extra expenses due to your disability while working, such as specialized transportation or assistive technology, you may be eligible for deductions.
Protecting Yourself from Tax-Related Identity Theft
With tax season comes an increased risk of identity theft. Scammers use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds in someone else’s name. Protect yourself by staying alert to warning signs and following key security measures.
Steps to Prevent Identity Theft:
File Early – Reduce the risk of someone fraudulently using your identity by filing as soon as possible.
Keep Personal Information Secure – Store sensitive documents in a safe place and avoid sharing private information online.
Strengthen Online Security – Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and be cautious with emails claiming to be from the IRS.
Beware of Tax Scams – The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text, or social media asking for personal details. If you receive an unexpected IRS-related call, hang up and report it.
Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) – This extra layer of security ensures only you can file a tax return using your Social Security number.
If you suspect tax-related identity theft, take immediate action:
Report it to the IRS by submitting Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit).
Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
Place a fraud alert on your credit report with:
Equifax: 1-888-548-7878
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
Contact your local police department if necessary.
We’re Here to Help!
At Progressive Center for Independent Living, we know that tax season can be a stressful and overwhelming time, especially when navigating tax benefits and deductions. You're not alone in this process, and we sympathize with the challenges that come with it. While we can’t provide tax advice, we are here to connect you with trusted resources that can help make tax filing a little easier. Remember, taking advantage of available assistance and credits can make a meaningful difference. We hope this information helps lighten the burden and brings you one step closer to financial peace of mind.
コメント