February 17, 2026 Eligible Residents Can Get Free Tax Prep, Resources with VITA Program Eligible Pennsylvania residents can now schedule appointments with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for free tax preparation. VITA Program The VITA program is an IRS-sponsored initiative designed to provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families who struggle with the complexities of filing taxes independently. The program typically serves low- to moderate-income earners, those with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with limited English proficiency. Tax preparation is offered in person at designated VITA sites, with services provided by IRS-certified volunteers who are trained to assist with accurately filing federal, state, and local taxes. VITA volunteers can help eligible taxpayers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and any other credits or deductions that might increase their funds. The VITA program helps households to save money and avoid the pitfalls of using costly or predatory tax services. VITA services are available to those who meet the following criteria: Households earning approximately $60,000 or less annually (the exact figure is subject to change from organization to organization) Individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and those needing language support in filing tax return To find a VITA site, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website, or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool online. Be sure to make appointments in advance as many sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill up quickly. Filing Independently For those who prefer to file taxes independently, but still want access to free resources, MyFreeTaxes.com is an option sponsored by United Way and powered by TaxSlayer. It allows individuals to file federal and state tax returns online for free. The platform is user friendly and designed for households with an annual income of $89,000 or less. Filers can easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace. The software guides users step by step, helping to ensure they claim all eligible credits and deductions, such as the EITC, CTC, and education-related credits. The platform also features live support from IRS-certified specialists.
March 18, 2025 U.S. Rep. Summer Lee’s Office Hours U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-12th District) will hold office hours for constituents on Wednesday, March 19. Learn More Residents can visit the congresswoman’s office on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can receive assistance with passports, Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ affairs, IRS inquiries, tax issues, or immigration. Lee’s office is located at 551 Ravensburg Blvd. (Clairton City Building) in Clairton. For more information, call 412-804-1189.
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.
August 6, 2020 Information about Unreceived Stimulus Checks Are you an individual who did not receive a stimulus check? If you didn’t file federal taxes in 2018 or 2019, you may need to sign up to receive your check using the IRS’s free online tool. About As a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act), the United States Department of Treasury issued funds known as Economic Impact Payments (EIP), or stimulus payments, to most Americans beginning April 10, 2020. Stimulus checks were automatically deposited to the accounts of individuals who filed federal taxes in 2018 or 2019. Those who did not file federal taxes will need to sign up to receive their check. Participants may be eligible for a payment of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, in addition to $500 per qualifying child. Who Is Eligible? U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualifying resident aliens who: have a valid Social Security number, could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and had adjusted gross income under certain limits. Sign Up to Receive Your Check Individuals who have not received their check must sign up by October 15 to get their payment this year. To sign up to receive your check, use the IRS’s free online tool. The following information will be collected: your full name, mailing address, email address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The Non-Filers: Enter Payment tool is intended for individuals who were not required to file a federal tax return for 2019. Individuals may not need to file a federal tax return for several reasons, including the following: the individual earned an income of less than $12,200; a married couple filed jointly and together their income was less than $24,400; or the individual did not earn an income. More Information For more information, visit the IRS website. Share this flyer with your network.
