Opportunities From: United Way of Central Jersey

Please note the schedule conflict date changes:

10/10 Update: Part 4 takes place on the 19 (no longer on the 20th)

10/9 Update: Part 2 takes place on the 12 (no longer on the 13th)

                           _______________________

November Evening Session (In-Person)        Workshops: 5:45PM - 8:30PM                                         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 4 workshops: Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 to complete your training.   November 10: Part 1  November 12: Part 2 (updated)November 17: Part 3November 19: Part 4 (updated)

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 (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 our community host sites in New Brunswick, Jamesburg, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, Carteret, South Amboy or Milltown to provide this valuable 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)                                                      

November Day Session (In-Person)     Workshops: 10:00AM - 1:00PM (except for Nov 10, later start time)Location: Monmouth County Human ServicesAddress: 3000 Kozloski Road (3rd floor computer lab)Freehold, NJ 07728

Be sure to attend all 4 workshops: Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 to complete your training.  

November 10: Part 1 (12 noon -3pm) (later start time)

November 13: Part 2

November 17: Part 3

November 20: Part 4

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. United Way of Central Jersey in collaboration with a host of Monmouth County community partners are 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 at the beginning of February 2026 through March 31, 2026.
Volunteers may volunteer at any one or both of the following community sites:The Launch Center (Asbury Park)The Community Affairs Resource Center (Freehold)

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)

LinkLearn Page: VITA/TCE Central your one-stop shop for volunteer training

Pdfs links of study resource materials are below:Publication 6744: VITA/TCE Volunteer Assistor's 2025 Test/Retest: f6744.pdfPublication 4491: VITA/TCE Training Guide: p4491.pdf: p4491.pdf Publication 4012: VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide: p4012.pdf 

1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) training (Ethics)

Link to Publication 4961, Ethics training: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4961.pdf

2. Intake Interview & Quality Review training:

Link to Publication 5101, Intake Interview & Quality Review training:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5101.pdf

November Evening Session (In-Person)        Workshops: 5:45PM - 8:30PM                                         Location: 60 Washington Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Be sure to attend all 3 workshops: Part 1, 2 & 3 to complete your training.  

November 13: Part 1 (Room 223)

November 20: Part 2 (Room 226)

December 4:    Part 3 (TBD)

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)                                                      

 

 

 

October Evening Session (In-Person)        Workshops: 5:45PM - 8:30PM                                         Location: 60 Washington Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

FREE Workshops: Registration is needed!

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

October 16: Part 1 (Room 223)

October 23: Part 2 (Room 223)

October 30: Part 3 (Room 226)

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 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 (after training), and to be ready to start from February 1,2026 through April 30, 2026.
Volunteers may volunteer at any one or all of the community sites listed 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)                                                      

 

 

 

10/8 Update: Prospective volunteers can now sign up for workshops.

Both the October & November Workshops schedules are now posted. Please sign up for a location:  Workshops - Income Tax Training October & November Schedules| Perth Amboy, Milltown & Freehold New Jersey

Open Registration - 2026 Filing Season - Income Tax preparersAll College students whether new and/or returning, please register here for your interest in attending the 2025 Fall workshop training being planned for November & December.
Requirements:Commit to a minimum of 3-5 hours weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 30, 2026)Complete the IRS Advance Level certificationStudents 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. Students 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. INCOME TAX PREPARER: Prepare Basic Federal & State tax returns using a professional tax software. Conduct peer-to-peer quality review of returns. Work alongside tax professionals & experienced IRS Certified tax preparers. Students will work in group settings, will learn to focus on detail skills, will enhance their interpersonal skills, receive community service hours, build their resumes. Please include the name of your college school when registering. Workshops planned dates are November & December 2025 Sessions: Convenient Day, Evening and Weekend from 12-15 hours over 3 - 4 days.                                _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
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, 114 students (high school and college) were among the 196 volunteers 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
Prepare Federal & State returns.  Volunteers receive hands-on training using a professional tax software. (all 3 certifications needed) Tax Preparer assistant: 
Greet clients, review intake form for completion. conduct taxpayer interviews to gather additional information, assist clients with limited English proficiency (translator), 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 Advanced Level Certification    
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

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

Please register to be automatically notified when the workshop schedule planned for early January 2026 is posted.  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 (Dates tbd)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

Community Tax Preparation - Tax Preparers & Tax preparer assistants - Needed for the IRS VITA Tax program in Monmouth County, NJ

Please register to be automatically notified when the workshop schedule planned for November 2025 is posted.  United Way of Central Jersey will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2026 annual filing season. Daytime hours available for both training, and during the filing season engagement.Requirements:Commit to a minimum of 3 - 5 hour weekly during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 15, 2025)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.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 Monmouth County community partners are recruiting volunteers in various capacities to help with this effort. Training is provided to assist volunteers with completing the required certifications. The sites anticipated opening dates are from February 2025 - March 2025 (weekly on Tuesday)Volunteers may volunteer at any one of two locations, the Community Affairs Resource Center (CARC) in Freehold, and/or the Launch Center in Asbury Park to provide this valuable service.

Income Tax Preparer / Quality Reviewer: (Prepare federal & state tax returns for electronic e-file)

Certifications required (3)

1. Ethics test (open-book test)

2. Intake/Interview module (open-book test)

3. Basic OR Advanced level Certification (open-book test)

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) and Monmouth County needs you on its tax prep team for 2026! 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. 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
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

10/8 Update: Prospective volunteers can now sign up for workshops.

Both the October & November Workshop schedules are now posted. Please sign up for a location:  Workshops - Income Tax Training October & November Schedules| Perth Amboy, Milltown & Freehold New Jersey

October Dates:

October 16: Part 1 (Room 223)

October 23: Part 2 (Room 223)

October 30: Part 3 (Room 226)

November Dates:

November 13: Part 1 (Room 223)

November 20: Part 2 (Room 226)

December 3: Part 2 (Room TBD)

                                         _______________________________

Perth Amboy Community Tax Preparation - Tax Preparers & Tax preparer assistants - Needed for the IRS Annual Filing Season (VITA Tax program. 

Please register to be automatically notified when the workshop schedules planned for October & November are posted.  United Way will provide FREE training for all volunteers interested in participating in the 2026 annual filing season. Convenient daytime & evening 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, 2025)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 at the Perth Amboy Library, the Family Financial Opportunity Center at 313 State Street and in the neighboring townships of Carteret and South Amboy. 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 months are October & November 2025 Sessions: Convenient Day & Evening from 12-15 hours over 3 - 4 days.                                _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
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 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 

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 

10/8 Update: Prospective volunteers can now sign up for workshops.

Both the October & November Workshops schedules are now posted. Please sign up for a location:  Workshops - Income Tax Training October & November Schedules| Perth Amboy, Milltown & Freehold New Jersey

Open Registration - 2026 Filing Season - Income Tax preparersAll students whether new and/or returning, please register here for your interest in training in the Fall of 2025.Community Service-learning Engagement for 9, 10, 11 & 12 Grade students in Middlesex & neighboring counties. United Way Initiative will provide Free training for Middlesex County high school students for its VITA Service-learning Program. It is open to all high school students. Convenient afterschool, evening & weekend hours available for the student's participation.Requirements:Commit to a minimum of 25 hours during the tax filing season (February 1 - April 30, 2026)Complete the IRS certification to the Basic LevelStudents 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. Students 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. INCOME TAX PREPARER: Prepare Basic Federal & State tax returns using a professional tax software. Conduct peer-to-peer quality review of returns. Work alongside tax professionals & experienced IRS Certified tax preparers. Students will work in group settings, will learn to focus on detail skills, will enhance their interpersonal skills, receive community service hours, build their resumes. Hours volunteered during the tax filing season (Feb - April) will qualify for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Please include the name of your high school when registering. Workshops planned dates are November & December 2025 Sessions: Convenient Day, Evening and Weekend from 12-15 hours over 3 - 4 days.                                _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
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, 114 students (high school and college) were among the 196 volunteers 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
Prepare Federal & State returns.  Volunteers receive hands-on training using a professional tax software. (all 3 certifications needed) Tax Preparer assistant: 
Greet clients, review intake form for completion. conduct taxpayer interviews to gather additional information, assist clients with limited English proficiency (translator), 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 Basic Level Certification    
Contact Charmaine at crodriguez@uwcj.org or call 732 247 3727 X 216 

Note:

Both the October & November Workshop schedules are now posted. Please sign up for a location:  Workshops - Income Tax Training October & November Schedules| Perth Amboy, Milltown & Freehold New Jersey

Community Tax Preparation - Tax Preparers & Tax preparer assistants - Needed for the IRS VITA Tax program. 

New volunteer - Please register to be automatically notified when the workshop schedules planned for November & December are posted.  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, 2025)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 November & December 2025 Sessions: Convenient Day, Evening and Weekend from 12-15 hours over 3 - 4 days.                                _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
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 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