Opportunities From: United Way of Central Jersey

January 2026 Tax Training _ Nuts & Bolts (In-Person)       Workshops: 10:00AM - 2:00PM                                         

This session is fast paced to get participants started with using the online resources (guided) to complete their certification. This session is limited to only 14 volunteers.

Participants should not register if doing the required homework may be an issue. 

**For volunteers new to VITA - who have not attended a prior Tax Training Session in October, November or December 2025!

Workshop Location: United Way Central Jersey32 Ford Avenue, Milltown NJ 08850

From the parking lot entrance, use the ramp to the left of the stairs ... take the elevator to the 2nd floor computer room.

Be sure to attend both workshops: Part 1 & 2 to complete your training.   January 16 Part 1  January 23: Part 2
All study resources/handouts will be provided at your first session from the following publications:*Pub 4012 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide)*Pub 6744 (Test booklet)*Pub 4491 (VITA/TCE Training Guide)  Each year United Way of Central Jersey helps complete hundreds of free tax returns for people in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, resulting in thousands of dollars kept in our communities. The Middlesex County NJ VITA Coalition is recruiting additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers are being asked to complete certifications by the end of December, and to be ready to start from February 1,2026 through April 30, 2026.Volunteers may volunteer at any one or more of our community host sites in New Brunswick, Jamesburg, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, Carteret, South Amboy. Freehold, Asbury Park or Milltown to provide this invaluable service. TAX PREPARER: Prepare Federal & State tax returns for electronic e-filing. Certifications required: 1. Ethics Test (open book) 2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (open book) 3. Advanced level Certification Test (open book)                                                      

What: Tax Coach Meeting for Volunteers

Date: December 29, 2025

How: Virtual (ZOOM)

Time: 1:00 -2:00pm

Tax Software Coach - Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program (VITA) 2026 Filing Season

United Way Central Jersey -Tax Coach Meeting 1:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85158402738?pwd=Qu79rWwqoVg7a0jalvh8FhTNTCGmUQ.1

Meeting ID: 851 5840 2738
Passcode: 214434

Community Tax Preparation - Volunteers needed to assist individuals & college students with Self-filing in Middlesex County, NJ

United Way Central Jersey will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2026 annual filing season.

Requirements:Attend workshop training on tax software Complete & Certify for the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) / Ethics Test:                       VSOC Online Training (p4961.pdf & certify on the IRS site: https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/ Commit a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 15, 2026)Volunteers will use techniques learned during training to assist others with filing simple tax returns. Hands-on training will be provided in navigating Taxslayer remote, and/or Myfreetaxes  professional tax software.
Volunteer Position:Assist individuals (Self-filers) with the navigation of the tax software Provide basic guidance on the software next stepsAnswer basic questions and/or direct users to the research/guidance that will help them solve their questions.Positions on the Middlesex College campus (New Brunswick, Edison & Perth Amboy)Virtual Opportunities as well
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

United Way of Central Jersey: Phone Contact: 732 247 3727 X 216 

Email contact: crodriguez@uwcj.org

January Winter break (In-Person) Afternoon      

This is the final training in Perth Amboy before the tax season starts at the end of January. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.

Workshops: 1:00PM - 4:00PM                                         Location: 60 Washington Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Be sure to attend all 4 workshops: Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 to complete your training.  

January 6

January 8

January 13

January 15

All study resources/handouts will be provided from the following publications:Pub 4012 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide)Pub 6744 (Test booklet) Pub 4491 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Training Guide) Each year United Way of Central Jersey helps complete hundreds of free tax returns for people in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, resulting in thousands of dollars kept in our communities. The Middlesex County NJ VITA Coalition in partnership with Middlesex College is recruiting additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers are being asked to complete certifications by the end of December (after training), and to be ready to start from February 1,2026 through April 30, 2026.
Volunteers may volunteer at any one or more of the following community sites listed below in Perth Amboy:The Perth Amboy LibraryMiddlesex CollegeUnited Way Family Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC)

TAX PREPARER: Prepare Federal & State tax returns for electronic e-filing. Certifications required: 1. Ethics Test (open book) 2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (open book) 3. Basic and/or Advanced level Certification Test (open book)                                                      

 

 

 

December 17 Update

Please log in to select a Session for our last Tax Training of the season.

1. Perth Amboy Session or

2. Milltown Session

January 2026 Workshops 
United Way will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2026 annual filing season. Convenient daytime, evening & weekend hours available for both training & filing season engagement.Requirements:Commit to a minimum of 3 - 4 hours weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 30, 2026)Complete the IRS certification timely after trainingVolunteers will use techniques learned during training to conduct efficient Intake Interviews; will review best practices for protecting taxpayer's personal information during our Ethics & Quality Review session; will learn to apply the appropriate tax laws in determining the correct filing status for clients; will be able to determine qualifying dependents on parent's tax returns; will be able to differentiate among the types of income, (taxable vs non-taxable, earned vs unearned); become familiar with the popular credits and deductions available for working parents with dependents. Students will also receive hands-on training in navigating Taxslayer, our professional tax software through simulation returns practice. Workshops also incorporate online training for homework review and practice problems. Volunteers may volunteer at any one or more of United Way community host sites in Milltown, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, Carteret and South Amboy to provide this invaluable service. Volunteers will work in group settings, will learn focusing on detail skills, will enhance their interpersonal skills, prepare their own & family returns, give back to their community. Workshops planned dates are January 2026

                               _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
Millions of low-to-moderate-income taxpayers rely on free, basic tax preparation each year, and thousands of ordinary VITA volunteers like you prepare these returns! The United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) needs you on its tax prep team for 2026! Last season 148 volunteers including 82 students (college and high school) were among our certified preparers that participated in this critical asset-building engagement. Collectively over 4,000 returns were prepared. The results - Over $2.5 million in refunds returned to taxpayers in the community in the form of credits and refunds. Volunteers saved taxpayers collectively over $500,000 in tax preparation fees.  United Way of Central Jersey teams up with the IRS and community partners each year to provide free tax services through VITA. United Way and its collaborators are the leading providers of volunteer income tax assistance in Middlesex County. "This service is aimed at low and moderate-income taxpayers," said Gloria Aftanski, President of United Way of Central Jersey.  The IRS partners with United Way to direct a coalition of community partners in order to increase the reach of the VITA. The Middlesex County, NJ VITA Coalition is recruiting new/additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers must complete certification timely and be ready to start by February 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026. United Way of Central Jersey is located at 32 Ford Avenue in Milltown NJ 08850 Volunteer Positions: Tax Preparer: Advanced or Basic (Prepare returns, Quality review returns) 
Prepare Federal & State returns.  Volunteers receive hands-on training using a professional tax software. (3 certifications needed). Guidance provided by tax professionals & experienced IRS Certified tax preparers. Tax Preparer Assistant (Greet clients, conduct Intake Interview, assist limited English proficiency clients with translation) 
Review intake form for completion. Conduct taxpayer interviews to gather additional information, assist with translations (bi-lingual Spanish volunteers needed), assist client with retrieving online statements, review simple completed returns with clients. Training is provided. Only the first 2 certifications are needed. Certifications requirements: Ethics Certification Intake/Interview & Quality Review Certification Advance Level Certification or Basic Level Certification (first time preparers)   
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Self-Certifiers:

Volunteers will complete certification on their own. Volunteers will receive a check-in call, text or email periodically.

Please register here if unable to attend In-Person training and will commit to use the Online Resources to complete your certifications. Various Online links are below for your convenience. Feel free to contact us for any guidance.

12/15 Update:

The IRS testing site is NOW live!! Proceed to the Subject dropdown area to select your tests.

The first test would be your VSOC, Volunteer Standards of Conduct.

The second test would be your Intake Interview & Quality Review.

The third would be your Certification level.

Note well. Volunteers can go directly to the Advanced level. There is no need to do the Basic level first. You will have 2 chances to pass each test. The passing score is 80%. If you did not succeed on the first try, please reach out to us before making your 2nd attempt.

We would like you to have your certifications ready for us between December 31st and January 6, 2026, the latest. 

The tests questions are exactly the same you will see Online at the Testing site as in your blue Test booklet 6744.

Study guide/s: Please use these.

Basic: Study Guide BASIC TY2025 in 2026.pdf - Google Drive

Advanced: Study Guide Advanced TY2025 in 2026.pdf - Google Drive

Practice Lab returns outcomes: Tax Year 2025 Scenarios results for the Practice Lab returns.

                                                ___________________________________

2025 Tax Year: Online Resources

Publication 4491: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4491.pdf Publication 4012: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4012.pdf Publication 6744: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f6744.pdf

                                                ______________________________________________

VITA/TCE Central Page: https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/     

OR Google search for “Link Learn”   

 

PRACTICE LAB

Create/Set up (New Volunteers), or Access an existing account (Prior VITA Volunteers) in Practice Lab for tax return practice: https://vita.taxslayerpro.com/IRSTraining/en/Account/Access:

Practice Lab is located under the Quick Links

·         Password: TRAINPROWEB (case sensitive) Generic Password Access for all volunteers

·         Program: VITA.

·         SIDN (leave blank)

·         Proceed to set up your account. (write these down)

              ___________________________________________

**Additional Online Study Resources: United Way VITA Resources Collaboration Learning. This site is interactive with video lessons and exercises. 

https://www.vitaresources.net/

                                                                                            ____________________________________________

Best,
Charmaine Rodriguez | VP Financial Stability | United Way of Central Jersey

32 Ford Avenue, Milltown, NJ  08850 | Tel: 732-247-3727 Ext 216

www.uwcj.org Email: crodriguez@uwcj.org

                                                 _____________________________________
 
Millions of low-to-moderate-income taxpayers rely on free, basic tax preparation each year, and thousands of ordinary VITA volunteers like you prepare these returns! The United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) needs you on its tax prep team for 2026! Last season 148 volunteers including 85 students (college and high school) were among our certified preparers that participated in this critical asset-building engagement. Collectively over 4,000 returns were prepared. The results - Over $2.5 million in refunds returned to taxpayers in the community in the form of credits and refunds. Volunteers saved taxpayers collectively over $600,000 in tax preparation fees.  United Way of Central Jersey teams up with the IRS and community partners each year to provide free tax services through VITA. United Way and its collaborators are the leading providers of volunteer income tax assistance in Middlesex County. "This service is aimed at low and moderate-income taxpayers," said Gloria Aftanski, President of United Way of Central Jersey.  The IRS partners with United Way to direct a coalition of community partners in order to increase the reach of the VITA. The Middlesex County, NJ VITA Coalition is recruiting new/additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers must complete certification timely and be ready to start by February 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026. United Way of Central Jersey is located at 32 Ford Avenue in Milltown NJ 08850

Certifications requirements: Ethics Certification Intake/Interview & Quality Review Certification Advance Level Certification   
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

What: Tax Coach Meeting for Volunteers

Date: December 29, 2025

How: Virtual (ZOOM)

Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm

Tax Software Coach - Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program (VITA) 2026 Filing Season

United Way of Central Jersey is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82827177545?pwd=urBtWNnxaHUTKzF6z8RpRnIGa1MiKa.1

Meeting ID: 828 2717 7545
Passcode: 936677

Community Tax Preparation - Volunteers needed to assist individuals & college students with Self-Filing in Middlesex County, NJ

United Way Central Jersey will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2026 annual filing season.

Requirements:Attend workshop training on tax software Complete & Certify for the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) / Ethics Test:                       VSOC Online Training (p4961.pdf & certify on the IRS site: https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/ Commit a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 15, 2026)Volunteers will use techniques learned during training to assist others with filing simple tax returns. Hands-on training will be provided in navigating Taxslayer remote, and/or Myfreetaxes  professional tax software.
Volunteer Position:Assist individuals (Self-filers) with the navigation of the tax software Provide basic guidance on the software next stepsAnswer basic questions and/or direct users to the research/guidance that will help them solve their questions.Positions on the Middlesex College campus (New Brunswick, Edison & Perth Amboy)Virtual Opportunities as well
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

United Way of Central Jersey: Phone Contact: 732 247 3727 X 216 

Email contact: crodriguez@uwcj.org

December Day Session (In-Person)        Workshops: 10:00AM - 1:30PM                                         Workshop Location: United Way Central Jersey32 Ford Avenue, Milltown NJ 08850

From the parking lot entrance, use the ramp to the left of the stairs ... take the elevator to the 2nd floor computer room.

Be sure to attend all 3 workshops: Part 1, 2 & 3 to complete your training.   December 5: Part 1  December 12: Part 2December 19: Part 3

All study resources/handouts will be provided at your first session:*Pub 4012 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide)*Pub 6744 (Test booklet)*Pub 4491 (VITA/TCE Training Guide) Each year United Way of Central Jersey helps complete hundreds of free tax returns for people in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, resulting in thousands of dollars kept in our communities. The Middlesex County NJ VITA Coalition is recruiting additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers are being asked to complete certifications by the end of December, and to be ready to start from February 1,2026 through April 30, 2026.Volunteers may volunteer at any one or more of our community host sites in New Brunswick, Jamesburg, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, Carteret, South Amboy. Freehold, Asbury Park or Milltown to provide this invaluable service. TAX PREPARER: Prepare Federal & State tax returns for electronic e-filing. Certifications required: 1. Ethics Test (open book) 2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (open book) 3. Advanced level Certification Test (open book)                                                      

December Weekend Session (In-Person)        Workshops: 9:30AM - 1:00PM                                         Workshop Location: United Way Central Jersey32 Ford Avenue, Milltown NJ 08850

From the parking lot entrance, use the ramp to the left of the stairs ... take the elevator to the 2nd floor computer room.

Be sure to attend all 3 workshops: Part 1, 2 & 3 to complete your training.   December 6: Part 1  December 13: Part 2November 20: Part 3

All study resources/handouts will be provided at your first session:*Pub 4012 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide)*Pub 6744 (Test booklet)*Pub 4491 (VITA/TCE Training Guide) Each year United Way of Central Jersey helps complete hundreds of free tax returns for people in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, resulting in thousands of dollars kept in our communities. The Middlesex County NJ VITA Coalition is recruiting additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers are being asked to complete certifications by the end of December, and to be ready to start from February 1,2026 through April 30, 2026.Volunteers may volunteer at any one or more of our community host sites in New Brunswick, Jamesburg, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, Carteret, South Amboy. Freehold, Asbury Park or Milltown to provide this invaluable service. TAX PREPARER: Prepare Federal & State tax returns for electronic e-filing. Certifications required: 1. Ethics Test (open book) 2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (open book) 3. Advanced level Certification Test (open book)                                                      

12/17 Update: 

Please log in to register for any one of the December 29 meetings (Zoom). One is scheduled at 1pm, the other at 7:00pm.

Requirements:Attend workshop training on tax software Complete & Certify for the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) / Ethics Test:                       VSOC Online Training (p4961.pdf & certify on the IRS site: https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/ Commit a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 15, 2026)                                                  ____________________________

Tax Software Coaches - Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program (VITA) 2026 Filing Season

Community Tax Preparation - Volunteers needed to assist individuals & college students with Self-Filing in Middlesex County, NJ

United Way Central Jersey will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2026 annual filing season.

Requirements:Attend workshop training on tax software on Dec 29thComplete & Certify for the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) / Ethics Test:                       VSOC Online Training (p4961.pdf & certify on the IRS site: https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/Commit a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 15, 2025)Volunteers will use techniques learned during training to assist others with filing simple tax returns. Hands-on training will be provided in navigating Taxslayer, and Myfreetaxes  professional tax software.Each year United Ways and other non-profits help their community by completing thousands of free tax returns, for people in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, resulting in thousands of dollars being kept in our communities. United Way of Central Jersey in collaboration with a host of Middlesex County community partners are recruiting volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort.
Millions of low-to-moderate-income taxpayers rely on free, basic tax preparation each year, and thousands of ordinary persons just like you can assist! The United Way Central Jersey (UWCJ) and the community would welcome your participation in the 2026 filing season! United Way Central Jersey teams up with the IRS and community partners each year to provide free tax services through VITA. United Way and its collaborators are the leading providers of volunteer income tax assistance in Middlesex County. "This service is aimed at low and moderate-income taxpayers," said Gloria Aftanski, President of United Way Central Jersey.  The IRS partners with United Way to direct a coalition of community partners in order to increase the reach of the VITA. We are located at 32 Ford Avenue in Milltown NJ 08850 Volunteer Position:Assist individuals (Self-Filers) with the navigation of the tax software Provide basic guidance on the software next stepsAnswer basic questions and/or direct users to the research/guidance that will help them solve their questions.Positions on the Middlesex College campus (New Brunswick, Edison & Perth Amboy)
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

United Way of Central Jersey: Phone Contact: 732 247 3727 X 216 

Email contact: crodriguez@uwcj.org

Refresher Workshops - New tax law changes to take effect with the 2025 tax year filing

Returning volunteers, please register here to be automatically notified of the Refresher Workshops in December, dates to be determined later. United Way will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2025 annual filing season. Convenient daytime, evening & weekend hours available for both training & filing season engagement.Requirements:Commit to a minimum of 3 - 5 hour weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 30, 2026)Complete the IRS certification timely after trainingVolunteers will use techniques learned during training to conduct efficient Intake Interviews; will review best practices for protecting taxpayer's personal information during our Ethics & Quality Review session; will learn to apply the appropriate tax laws in determining the correct filing status for clients; will be able to determine qualifying dependents on parent's tax returns; will be able to differentiate among the types of income, (taxable vs non-taxable, earned vs unearned); become familiar with the popular credits and deductions available for working parents with dependents. Students will also receive hands-on training in navigating Taxslayer, our professional tax software through simulation returns practice. Workshops also incorporate online training for homework review and practice problems. Volunteers may volunteer at any one or more of United Way community host sites in Milltown, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, Carteret and South Amboy to provide this invaluable service. Volunteers will work in group settings, will learn focusing on detail skills, will enhance their interpersonal skills, prepare their own & family returns, give back to their community. Workshops planned dates are December 2025. Sessions: Convenient Day, Evening and/or Weekend from 6-8 hours.                                _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
Millions of low-to-moderate-income taxpayers rely on free, basic tax preparation each year, and thousands of ordinary VITA volunteers like you prepare these returns! The United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) needs you on its tax prep team for 2026! Last season 196 volunteers including 114 students (college and high school) were among our certified preparers that participated in this critical asset-building engagement. Collectively over 4,000 returns were prepared. The results - Over $2 million in refunds returned to taxpayers in the community in the form of credits and refunds. Volunteers saved taxpayers collectively over $500,000 in tax preparation fees.  United Way of Central Jersey teams up with the IRS and community partners each year to provide free tax services through VITA. United Way and its collaborators are the leading providers of volunteer income tax assistance in Middlesex County. "This service is aimed at low and moderate-income taxpayers," said Gloria Aftanski, President of United Way of Central Jersey.  The IRS partners with United Way to direct a coalition of community partners in order to increase the reach of the VITA. The Middlesex County, NJ VITA Coalition is recruiting new/additional volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Volunteers must complete certification timely and be ready to start by February 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026. United Way of Central Jersey is located at 32 Ford Avenue in Milltown NJ 08850 Volunteer Positions: Tax Preparer: Advanced (Prepare returns, Quality review returns) 
Prepare Federal & State returns.  Volunteers receive hands-on training using a professional tax software. (3 certifications needed). Guidance provided by tax professionals & experienced IRS Certified tax preparers. Tax Preparer Assistant (Greet clients, conduct Intake Interview, assist limited English proficiency clients with translation) 
Review intake form for completion. Conduct taxpayer interviews to gather additional information, assist with translations (bi-lingual Spanish volunteers needed), assist client with retrieving online statements, review simple completed returns with clients. Training is provided. Only the first 2 certifications are needed. Certifications requirements: Ethics Certification Intake/Interview & Quality Review Certification Advance Level Certification   
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216