Nets offer their fans an assist on taxes

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The struggling New Jersey Nets have come up with another gimmick to sell tickets during a season in which they have won only six games.

This time, they are giving fans a different return on their money - a tax return.

The Nets have combined with the Roni Deutch Tax Center to offer free preparation of New Jersey income-tax returns to state residents 18 years and older who attend their game Friday against Orlando at the Izod Center.

Patrons won't get their state taxes done on the spot. They will be given a coupon for a free return. The cost is usually $29.

That is not a bad return from a 6-53 team that has a shot at breaking the NBA record for fewest wins in a season.

"I know two things about sports fans: They take sports very seriously, and they still have to deal with the IRS," Deutch said.

The nationwide company, which has offices in Hackensack, Bergenfield, and Fair Lawn, also will have representatives at the game to answer tax-related questions.

Deutch said having the promotion now was a natural fit because the NBA and tax seasons overlapped.

"I think the wonderful thing about taxation is you have to dance with the IRS, and if you live in New Jersey, you've got to dance with the state tax entity as well," Deutch said.

"Most people, when they hire a tax preparer, they have to do the federal and state returns," she said. "If we are giving them a $29 free state return, they are going to say to their preparer:

'This is fantastic. I get a free state tax return, I also get a coupon for $30 to $50 off the federal return, and I'm going to qualify for two Nets tickets to a future game.'

"I call that win, win, win."

Deutch wasn't concerned about how much it would cost if a big crowd attended the game, which features all-star center Dwight Howard and the return of former Nets guard Vince Carter.

"I pray to God we have to do 100,000 tax returns," Deutch said. "Believe me, I want to overwhelm my franchisees in New Jersey and do 100,000 tax returns - and let's get some Nets wins, for goodness sakes."

With the team challenging the 76ers' league-worst record of 9-73 in 1972-73, selling tickets has not been easy.

"We remain committed to delivering for our partners and our fans," Nets chief executive Brett Yormark said.

One recent pitch, "Your Ticket to a Player," offered prospective fans the opportunity to have Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, or any other player on the roster stop by at a family birthday party.

All you had to do was pay $25,000 for four courtside tickets for 10 games. You got parking, food, and drinks, too.