Income Tax Assistance

Free tax preparation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support financial stability for working families across Pennsylvania. Each year, many eligible households miss out on valuable tax credits simply because they don’t file or aren’t aware of what they qualify for.

Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites and MyFreeTaxes, Pennsylvanians can access free, secure tax filing support – either in person or online. These trusted resources help filers claim important benefits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC)—Pennsylvania’s refundable credit equal to 10% of the federal EITC, available beginning in Tax Year 2025.

These credits can return hundreds of dollars to families, helping cover essentials like housing, food, and child care; while strengthening local communities across the Commonwealth.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Are you looking for a trained volunteer to assist you with the completion of your federal tax return? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS-sponsored initiative that provides free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families across Pennsylvania. Services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteers at designated VITA sites during tax season.

You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:

• Income eligibility varies slightly from county to county, but in general households earning approximately $67,000 or less are eligible. To see detailed eligibility criteria for your county, dial 211 to speak with a PA 211 member, visit the PA 211 website, or use the IRS VITA Locator Tool.
• VITA volunteers are trained to help complete federal tax returns, and some sites may also complete state and local taxes. All sites that offer state and local filing can only do so if they are also completing your federal return.
• You must have a social security number or an ITIN number for everyone on your tax return.
• You must have received all your W-2s and tax documents.
• Most VITA sites are unable to assist with more complicated returns, including those involving rental income, housing allowances, or cancellation of debt.

There are two ways to use PA 211 to schedule your VITA appointment this year:

• Visit PA 211 online to search for free tax preparation services near you.
• Dial 211 to speak with a trained PA 211 Resource Navigator who can help determine eligibility and locate available tax assistance.