Self-Help forms and Online Resources relating to Consumer Law issues.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
How to Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
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.
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.
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.
Crawford County - Court Forms and Information
Forms and explanatory information from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
PennDOT Online Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
U.S. Bankruptcy Forms - National
Find a national federal bankruptcy court form. National court forms can be used in all federal courts. Each federal court also maintains their own local court forms. Check the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website for your district to find Local Forms in use in that district. You can also use the Federal Court Finder at https://www.uscourts.gov/federal-court-finder/search to find a other federal courts and their local court forms.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
Identity Theft Report
Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is one of several important steps that victims of identity theft should take. This can help you in recovering from identity theft and help law enforcers catch identity thieves.
What To Know About Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission provides information about Identity Theft and how you can identify clues that someone may have stolen your personal information. Learn what identity theft is, how to protect yourself against it, and how to know if someone stole your identity.
Carbon Court Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
How to Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program
Have you been sued by a creditor to collect a credit card debt? Are you a creditor seeking to collect a credit card debt? The Lancaster County Credit Card Diversion Program (“Program”) is a joint effort between public and private sector entities to address the increase in credit card lawsuits filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The primary goal of the Program is to help Lancaster County residents through use of free credit counselors and Court-supervised conciliation conferences to resolve credit card collection lawsuits.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Identity Theft Report
Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is one of several important steps that victims of identity theft should take. This can help you in recovering from identity theft and help law enforcers catch identity thieves.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
What To Know About Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission provides information about Identity Theft and how you can identify clues that someone may have stolen your personal information. Learn what identity theft is, how to protect yourself against it, and how to know if someone stole your identity.
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.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding it's formal complaint process. The formal complaint process involves a legal proceeding where you and the utility must present facts on issues raised in your complaint to a PUC administrative law judge. The process can take six months or more until a complaint is adjudicated. Individuals or companies may file formal complaints. Individuals are not required to have a lawyer to file a formal complaint. However, companies must be represented by an attorney. If you do not want to enter into a legal proceeding with a formal complaint, another option is to submit an informal complaint. This involves filling out a simple online form and the issue is typically resolved in just 3 to 5 business days.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority. When an informal complaint is filed through the Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), a BCS investigator works to facilitate discussion between the parties to resolve the complaint. This process is much less time-consuming than the formal complaint process and usually results in a faster resolution to the case. Informal complaints against utilities are confidential and not available for public inspection.
PUC Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on filing complaints with the Public Utility Commission. For most concerns with a PUC-regulated utility, you must contact the utility before you file a complaint through the PUC. If you have a problem with a utility and have already contacted the utility, filing a complaint is the next step. Two types of complaints can be filed with the PUC—informal or formal. Common informal complaints include residential billing issues, service quality and payment arrangement requests. Common formal complaints include rate protests.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
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.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Identity Theft Report
Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is one of several important steps that victims of identity theft should take. This can help you in recovering from identity theft and help law enforcers catch identity thieves.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
PennDOT Online Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding it's formal complaint process. The formal complaint process involves a legal proceeding where you and the utility must present facts on issues raised in your complaint to a PUC administrative law judge. The process can take six months or more until a complaint is adjudicated. Individuals or companies may file formal complaints. Individuals are not required to have a lawyer to file a formal complaint. However, companies must be represented by an attorney. If you do not want to enter into a legal proceeding with a formal complaint, another option is to submit an informal complaint. This involves filling out a simple online form and the issue is typically resolved in just 3 to 5 business days.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority. When an informal complaint is filed through the Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), a BCS investigator works to facilitate discussion between the parties to resolve the complaint. This process is much less time-consuming than the formal complaint process and usually results in a faster resolution to the case. Informal complaints against utilities are confidential and not available for public inspection.
PUC Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on filing complaints with the Public Utility Commission. For most concerns with a PUC-regulated utility, you must contact the utility before you file a complaint through the PUC. If you have a problem with a utility and have already contacted the utility, filing a complaint is the next step. Two types of complaints can be filed with the PUC—informal or formal. Common informal complaints include residential billing issues, service quality and payment arrangement requests. Common formal complaints include rate protests.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
U.S. Bankruptcy Forms - National
Find a national federal bankruptcy court form. National court forms can be used in all federal courts. Each federal court also maintains their own local court forms. Check the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website for your district to find Local Forms in use in that district. You can also use the Federal Court Finder at https://www.uscourts.gov/federal-court-finder/search to find a other federal courts and their local court forms.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
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.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
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.
Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program
Have you been sued by a creditor to collect a credit card debt? Are you a creditor seeking to collect a credit card debt? The Lancaster County Credit Card Diversion Program (“Program”) is a joint effort between public and private sector entities to address the increase in credit card lawsuits filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The primary goal of the Program is to help Lancaster County residents through use of free credit counselors and Court-supervised conciliation conferences to resolve credit card collection lawsuits.
PennDOT Online Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
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.
U.S. Bankruptcy Forms - National
Find a national federal bankruptcy court form. National court forms can be used in all federal courts. Each federal court also maintains their own local court forms. Check the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website for your district to find Local Forms in use in that district. You can also use the Federal Court Finder at https://www.uscourts.gov/federal-court-finder/search to find a other federal courts and their local court forms.
What To Know About Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission provides information about Identity Theft and how you can identify clues that someone may have stolen your personal information. Learn what identity theft is, how to protect yourself against it, and how to know if someone stole your identity.
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.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
Carbon Court Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Crawford County - Court Forms and Information
Forms and explanatory information from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms
Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties.
Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program
Have you been sued by a creditor to collect a credit card debt? Are you a creditor seeking to collect a credit card debt? The Lancaster County Credit Card Diversion Program (“Program”) is a joint effort between public and private sector entities to address the increase in credit card lawsuits filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The primary goal of the Program is to help Lancaster County residents through use of free credit counselors and Court-supervised conciliation conferences to resolve credit card collection lawsuits.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms
Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties.