February 24, 2025 Pennsylvania Taxpayers Can File for Free to IRS Through Direct File Pennsylvania taxpayers can now take part in a free and secure means of filing for free this tax season through Direct File. Learn More Direct File enables taxpayers to file directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at no cost. It is a new tool that lets eligible taxpayers file their taxes directly online from their smartphone or computer. The website is secure and available in English and Spanish. On average, filing on the site takes less than one hour to complete. Filing To file, taxpayers should: Visit Direct File to check eligibility. If eligible, create an ID.me* login account, which helps to make sure tax data is absolutely secure. For assistance, view this step-by-step guide on creating the account. Use the interview-style tool on the website to complete federal taxes. Upon completing their taxes, visitors will be taken to a free state filing system on the state’s tax website to complete the state return as well. When using Direct File, visitors will have access to live chat support from IRS staff in English and Spanish. Those who do not complete their filing all at once can save their progress and return to it later. Eligibility Most visitors to the site can use it if their 2024 taxes were relatively straightforward – for example, if they don’t itemize deductions, if income came primarily from W-2 employment, and if taxpayers can claim common credits such as the CTC, EITC, or premium tax credit. Tax filers with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who have previously filed taxes can participate. Also, taxpayers with a Social Security Number can apply regardless of having previously filed. For more information, visit Direct File.
February 10, 2025 United Way, Human Services Center Mon Valley Offering Free Tax Prep Services The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Human Services Center Mon Valley are offering free tax preparation services for qualifying families this tax season. To find answers for common tax season questions, view this flier in English and Spanish. United Way Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified volunteers will help households earning up to $65,000 per year to get the maximum possible refund. They will also help qualifying taxpayers to get an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can help to pay down bills, fund a child’s education, or build savings. There will be no charge, no matter the size of the refund, for those assisted by the United Way. Free tax sites located in the region will serve Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Those interested can schedule an appointment online or call 888-856-2773. Taxpayers can also file their own federal and state taxes for free online through United Way. Download this flier for more information and locations. Human Services Center Mon Valley The Human Services Center Mon Valley will offer free tax preparation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through April 9. Families with a total household income up to $65,000 or individuals up to $45,000 qualify for services. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 2-1-1. The center is located at 413 Penn Avenue in Turtle Creek. There will be free parking on site, and the center is located on the bus line. For more information about documents needed for tax preparation, download this flier.
