This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Tax issues.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS (Video)
The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities. The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers' personally identifiable information. Learn how to get one to protect your identity.
Independent Contractor or Employee - Worker Misclassification (Video)
In Pennsylvania, over 580,000 workers are misclassified each year. This recorded webinar provides an overview of the types of worker classification, tax consequences for each, and remedies available to a person misclassified by their employer. June 8, 2021
PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This webpage from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue explains who is eligible for the rebate program and how to apply.
Surviving Debt
"Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting Out of Financial Trouble" is NCLC's bestselling guide for consumers. A leading resource for over 30 years, Surviving Debt provides practical advice from the nation’s consumer law experts on how to deal with crushing debt affecting millions of Americans. The 2026 edition includes a comprehensive discussion of recent major changes to student loan repayment plans and new advice on medical debt relief, including updates on Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace coverage. This edition also introduces a chapter on natural disaster relief and a section on property tax foreclosure and heirs' property relief. Other updates include new tips on responding to debt collectors, avoiding scams, and navigating coerced debt involving abusive partners.
Where’s My Tax Refund? (Video)
ALERT - July 2025: The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” may have changed the information presented on this video. The IRS is currently working to update its content and will release new information soon. This video from the Internal Revenue Service explains how you can use the "Where’s My Refund" tool at https://www.irs.gov/refund to determine when you can expect to get your income tax refund.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
File your tax return
Information on the process for filing an individual tax return, including ways to file your tax return for free and other ways to file.
Free File Alliance
The Free File Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the IRS to help millions of Americans prepare and e-file their federal tax returns for free. Free File is the fast, safe and free way to do your federal tax return online. Free File Alliance member companies provide brand name tax software options at no cost.
My Free Taxes - The United Way
Filing your tax return can be a daunting, expensive task. That's why United Way provides free tax filing support to U.S. residents, through our online MyFreeTaxes service or VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. In both cases, United Way partners with the IRS. MyFreeTaxes is the only free, national online tax filing program offered by a nonprofit. It helps you file your state and federal taxes in 1 hour, from your phone, tablet or computer.
myPATH (my Pennsylvania Tax Hub)
myPATH, which stands for ‘my Pennsylvania Tax Hub’, provides many self-service options such as registering a new tax account, accurately and securely filing returns, making payments, managing your accounts, and interacting with the department.
Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax
Information on the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. Pennsylvanians have the option to submit PA Personal Income Tax returns online with the Department of Revenue's myPATH system. Filing online leads to fast processing, easy direct deposit options and automatic calculators.
Where's My PA Personal Income Tax Refund?
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue on finding out the status of your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax refund.
Where's My Refund?
If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, you may get money back. Even if you didn't pay tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit. To get your refund, you must file a return. You have 3 years to claim a tax refund. If you e-file your return, you can usually see your refund status within 24 hours with Where's My Refund? You can get your refund information for the current year and past 2 years.
Earned Income Tax Credit - Are You Eligible
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. You may claim the EITC if your income is low to moderate. The amount of your credit may change if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Use the EITC Assistant
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. Claiming the credit can reduce the tax you owe and may also give you a larger refund. Use this calculator to find out: (1) If you're eligible for the EITC; (2) If you have any qualifying children or relatives; (3) The estimated amount of your credit; and (4) Your filing status.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This webpage from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue explains who is eligible for the rebate program and how to apply.
Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax
Information on the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. Pennsylvanians have the option to submit PA Personal Income Tax returns online with the Department of Revenue's myPATH system. Filing online leads to fast processing, easy direct deposit options and automatic calculators.
Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue on how the Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program works. Tax forgiveness is a credit that allows eligible taxpayers to reduce all or part of their Pennsylvania personal income tax liability. Tax forgiveness: (1) Provides a reduction in tax liability, and (2) Forgives some taxpayers of their liabilities even if they have not paid their Pennsylvania personal income tax.
Philadelphia Property Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on issues related to Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes. [PDF]
Where’s My Tax Refund? (Video)
ALERT - July 2025: The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” may have changed the information presented on this video. The IRS is currently working to update its content and will release new information soon. This video from the Internal Revenue Service explains how you can use the "Where’s My Refund" tool at https://www.irs.gov/refund to determine when you can expect to get your income tax refund.
Save Your Home Philly Hotline
The Save Your Home Philly Hotline is a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Legal Assistance. For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link. You can also APPLY ONLINE for an issue, anytime by filling out the online application.
Free Help Preparing Your Tax Return (Video)
This video from the IRS provides information about organizations in your community that can prepare tax returns for free. This video from the Internal Revenue Service provides information on these organizations. (2016)
Free Tax Preparation Sites in Philadelphia
The Campaign for Working Families is a partnership that promotes the efforts of working families to move up the economic ladder. The Campaign operates free tax sites throughout Philadelphia (prepare and e-file federal and state income tax returns), and connects individuals to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), other tax credits, public benefits, and asset-building resources.
Free Tax Return Preparation - Allegheny County
Every year, Just Harvest helps low-income households file their income tax return and maximize their tax refund. It is available at four Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in Allegheny County. Launched in 2003, Just Harvest’s free IRS-certified tax return preparation service is now one of the largest in Pennsylvania. Just Harvest also manages the Free Tax Preparation Coalition (sponsored by United Way of Southwestern PA), which provides free income tax return preparation throughout the region.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Use the EITC Assistant
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. Claiming the credit can reduce the tax you owe and may also give you a larger refund. Use this calculator to find out: (1) If you're eligible for the EITC; (2) If you have any qualifying children or relatives; (3) The estimated amount of your credit; and (4) Your filing status.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Use the EITC Assistant
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. Claiming the credit can reduce the tax you owe and may also give you a larger refund. Use this calculator to find out: (1) If you're eligible for the EITC; (2) If you have any qualifying children or relatives; (3) The estimated amount of your credit; and (4) Your filing status.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
Independent Contractor or Employee - Worker Misclassification (Video)
In Pennsylvania, over 580,000 workers are misclassified each year. This recorded webinar provides an overview of the types of worker classification, tax consequences for each, and remedies available to a person misclassified by their employer. June 8, 2021
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (MidPenn Legal Services)
MidPenn's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) provides free legal advice and representation to low-income taxpayers and taxpayers who speak English as a second language in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service. The LITC also conducts educational programs on tax issues to social service agencies and Latino outreach organizations. Call 1-844-MPLS-TAX (844-675-7829) to contact the LITC. (April 2025)
Philadelphia Property Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on issues related to Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes. [PDF]
Responding to an IRS Audit If You Claimed Kids on Your Taxes
Information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance about what to do if the IRS is asking you to provide proof of the claims you made on your tax return. If you claimed the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit, proving your claim usually means giving the IRS documents that show that you are eligible for the credit. Most often, this involves showing relationship and residence for the children you are claiming.
Save Your Home Philly Hotline
The Save Your Home Philly Hotline is a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Legal Assistance. For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link. You can also APPLY ONLINE for an issue, anytime by filling out the online application.
Taxpayer Support Clinic (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)
The Taxpayer Support Clinic at PLA helps with income tax disputes such as IRS audits, delayed or denied refunds and stimulus payments, collection notices, worker misclassification, ID theft, tax preparer misconduct, and innocent spouse claims.
Surviving Debt
"Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting Out of Financial Trouble" is NCLC's bestselling guide for consumers. A leading resource for over 30 years, Surviving Debt provides practical advice from the nation’s consumer law experts on how to deal with crushing debt affecting millions of Americans. The 2026 edition includes a comprehensive discussion of recent major changes to student loan repayment plans and new advice on medical debt relief, including updates on Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace coverage. This edition also introduces a chapter on natural disaster relief and a section on property tax foreclosure and heirs' property relief. Other updates include new tips on responding to debt collectors, avoiding scams, and navigating coerced debt involving abusive partners.
Temple Law School Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) provides free legal representation to qualifying taxpayers who have federal tax controversies. Students and attorney volunteers represent low income taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Tax Court in audits, appeals, collections and federal tax litigation, including innocent spouse and injured spouse; ID theft & preparer fraud; and worker misclassification. Please Note: This clinic does not prepare tax returns or applications for ITINs. For these services, please consult a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) organization.
University of Pittburgh School of Law Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
The clinic gives free legal help to persons, based upon their level of income, who have federal income tax problems or need federal income tax advice. Dealing with the clinic will not affect taxpayers’ rights before the IRS. Potential clients should call the clinic at 412-648-1300.
Unpaid Taxes Owed to the IRS: Consumer Debt Advice from National Consumer Law Center
This article outlines consumer rights and options when a consumer is having difficulty paying the IRS for federal income taxes that are past due. The article also outlines steps the IRS takes to enforce tax debt, the implications of the taxpayer’s bankruptcy filing, and where to seek help dealing with the IRS. (June 2018)
Villanova Federal Tax Clinic
Students in Villanova Law’s Federal Tax Clinic provide free legal representation to low-income individuals in disputes with the IRS and in federal court. Students work in teams to represent their clients and help them navigate the complex American tax system. Cases include audits, examinations, administrative appeals, collection matters, and cases before the United States Tax Court and Federal District Court.
Do you have any tax preparation advice? - Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about preparing and filing your taxes and about tax preparation services.
Earned Income Tax Credit - Are You Eligible
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. You may claim the EITC if your income is low to moderate. The amount of your credit may change if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria.
File your tax return
Information on the process for filing an individual tax return, including ways to file your tax return for free and other ways to file.
Get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS (Video)
The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities. The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers' personally identifiable information. Learn how to get one to protect your identity.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This webpage from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue explains who is eligible for the rebate program and how to apply.
Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax
Information on the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. Pennsylvanians have the option to submit PA Personal Income Tax returns online with the Department of Revenue's myPATH system. Filing online leads to fast processing, easy direct deposit options and automatic calculators.
Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue on how the Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program works. Tax forgiveness is a credit that allows eligible taxpayers to reduce all or part of their Pennsylvania personal income tax liability. Tax forgiveness: (1) Provides a reduction in tax liability, and (2) Forgives some taxpayers of their liabilities even if they have not paid their Pennsylvania personal income tax.
Where’s My Tax Refund? (Video)
ALERT - July 2025: The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” may have changed the information presented on this video. The IRS is currently working to update its content and will release new information soon. This video from the Internal Revenue Service explains how you can use the "Where’s My Refund" tool at https://www.irs.gov/refund to determine when you can expect to get your income tax refund.