Somerset County Offers Free Tax-Aide Program For Residents Starting Feb. 1

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County’s Volunteer Services and AARP have once again teamed up to provide the Tax-Aide program to help residents prepare their taxes.

The free, no-fuss, no-muss, tax-counseling service is available to all county residents, but specifically for older adults, residents with disabilities, and lower-income residents who need help preparing federal and New Jersey income tax returns.

"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. "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."

To make an appointment, call the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at 908-541-5710 beginning on Feb. 1, 2026. Appointments will be made until the end of the tax season or until all appointments are filled.

Last year, 2,282 people called for appointments. The value of the returns to residents was $2,899,078.

Appointment Guidelines

Residents must schedule an appointment to receive tax assistance. Appointments are available through April 15, 2026. Residents are required to bring the following items to their appointment:

• 2025 W-2 forms
• Bank and brokerage statements from 2025
• Pension and Social Security Statements from tax year 2025
• Total of all medical expenses and all other deductible expenses from 2025
• Copy of 2024 tax returns
• Property tax statements from the township with the taxes paid in 2025
• PAS-1 book for homeowners ages 65-years or older who meet eligibility requirements

Tax counselors will review and prepare residents’ New Jersey and federal and state tax documents and then file them electronically. To ensure they are up to date on current tax laws and forms for both the federal and state governments, volunteer counselors receive rigorous annual training and are tested and certified by the Internal Revenue Service. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office conducts background checks on all volunteers.

This year, there will be around 65 volunteers providing direct support to residents at six sites in Somerset County, including Montgomery, Bridgewater, Manville, Somerville, Franklin, and Green Brook.

Tax returns are filed electronically, enabling taxpayers to obtain a more rapid refund if they are eligible. Taxpayers will receive a paper copy of their federal and state returns.

Volunteers also can assist with preparing Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR) forms for homeowners aged 65-years or older who meet eligibility requirements.

— Somerset County