News

November 26, 2024

Free Preparation for Volunteers Looking to Help This Tax Season

Just Harvest is offering free preparation for volunteers who plan on helping this tax season.

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The coalition’s staff will provide 15 hours of free training and prepare volunteers for IRS certification. Ideally, volunteers would provide three to four hours per week from late January through mid-April.

Volunteer greeters will welcome taxpayers and answer questions as well as help them to complete and organize paperwork. They will also learn how the process works and be ready to assist with three to four hours of training.

In 2023, the Free Tax Prep Coalition of Southwest PA brought $11 million back into the pockets of people in the region. Since 2003, Just Harvest has completed nearly 49,000 tax returns and refunded roughly $92 million to low-income families. 

Volunteer sites are located in Allegheny, Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Registration is open for those who want to volunteer. Any further questions should be addressed to Anna Woomer, Just Harvest’s free tax prep volunteer director, at annaw@justharvest.org.

News

January 16, 2023

Free Tax Prep Available

The Free Tax Preparation Coalition (sponsored by United Way of Southwestern PA) will be providing free income tax return preparation throughout the region during the 2024 tax season.

(This article was updated on January 16, 2024).

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Every year, Free Tax Preparation Coalition helps low-income households file their income tax return and maximize their tax refund. Many low-income people are eligible for tax credits and other refunds when they file their yearly tax return. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty programs, and can increase a family’s annual income by as much as 45 percent.

Schedule a tax appointment by visiting pa211.org/VITA. 

More Resources

  • GetYourRefund.org is a free virtual service supported by the IRS, U.S. Department of Treasury, and the White House that helps low-income households across America receive high-quality tax services from the convenience of their home. Services open on January 31, 2024, at 1 p.m. Services are also available in Spanish.

  • The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. To locate an open site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call (888) 227-7669 (toll-free).

  • The IRS Free File offers many online resources and tax help. Find tax forms, instructions and publications, online payment options, and more. Individuals can even prepare and file their federal income tax online for free. More information will be available in January 2024.