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Newark Now VITA Launches on Thursday, January 14. Get your taxes done for FREE at Newark Now VITA

NEWARK, NJ, January 12, 2010 – Now in its seventh year, Newark Now’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will kick-off the 2010 tax season (tax year 2009) and its six locations with a press conference on January 14, 2009 at 11am in the Newark City Hall Rotunda, 920 Broad Street, Newark, NJ. In 2009 Newark Now VITA prepared over 3,000 returns and had an impact of over $7 million on the local economy. Low- and moderate- income NJ families who earn less than $49,000 and individuals without dependents who earn $25,000 or less, qualify to receive free, quality, professional tax preparation services through VITA. IRS certified volunteers prepare the tax returns and provide high quality service and uphold the highest of ethical standards.

For more information on Newark Now’s VITA program call 973-624-FREE (3733) or email taxes@newarknow.org.

This year there are two major additions to Newark Now’s VITA program. First Newark Now has teamed up with the Center for Economic Progress and Citi to become the first and only organization in New Jersey to offer Financial Aid U. The Financial Aid U program helps students realize their college dreams by helping them complete their tax return and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for free. Secondly, now in its third year, Refund NOW, a program developed with partner TD Bank, offers qualified filers access to Newark’s only free rapid anticipation loan program. Refund NOW is an asset-building initiative for families and individuals that offers a free alternative to costly Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs).

For a free benefit screening that can save a family $1000s, visit a Newark Now VITA tax center or the Newark Now Financial Empowerment Center. A benefits screening will discover what additional benefits are available to your family including subsidized child care, health care coverage, weatherization solutions, a sit down with a financial coach, legal counseling concerning housing and tenant issues, access to reduced fee or free medical prescriptions, and food charge cards and vouchers

Newark Now VITA 2010 Center Locations

Newark City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Room B29, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 15. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 2pm

Newark Now Financial Empowerment Center, 103 Bloomfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07104
Starts January 15. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 2pm

One Stop Career Center, 990 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 19. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am – 2pm

Essex County Department of Citizen Services, 50 South Clinton Street, 1st Floor, East Orange, NJ 07018
Starts January 20. Hours: Wed. – Fri. 10am – 2pm

Rutgers Business School Newark, 1 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 20. Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10am – 2pm

FOR ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE STUDENTS ONLY
Essex County College, (EOF Area) 303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 19. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 10am – 2pm, Wed. 3pm – 7pm

About Newark Now Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
VITA is a program administered by Newark Now. In 2009, Newark Now VITA prepared over 3,000 income tax returns that resulted in an economic impact of over $7 million on the local economy. Newark Now VITA exists to encourage people in urban areas to take advantage of the earned income-tax credit. Newark Now’s VITA partners include: Newark Asset Building Coalition, IRS, County of Essex, and the City of Newark. Stop in during our posted hours for tax prep services. For more information or to volunteer with Newark Now VITA please call 973-624-FREE (3733) or email taxes@newarknow.org.

Media Contacts: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705 or Anthony Santiago, Newark Now, 973-733-3460 x 113

Source: Newark Now

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Tags: Center for Economic Progress, Citi, Cory Booker, FEC, Financial Aid U, Financial Empowerment Center, Free Tax Preparation, Newark Now, Refund Now, Taxes, TD Bank, VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance