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.
File for free with IRS Direct File (Video)
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. File your taxes online – for free – with IRS Direct File. Eligible taxpayers in participating states have the option to file their taxes electronically, directly with the IRS for free. Learn more at https://directfile.irs.gov/ File your taxes online – for free – with IRS Direct File. Eligible taxpayers in participating states have the option to file their taxes electronically, directly with the IRS for free. Learn more at https://directfile.irs.gov/
File your tax return
Information on the process for filing an individual tax return, including E-File options from the Internal Revenue Service for Individual Taxpayers.
Free File Alliance
The Free File Alliance is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers developed through a public-private partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies.
My Free Taxes - The United Way
MyFreeTaxes helps people file their federal and state taxes for free, and it’s brought to you by United Way.
myPATH
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/Federal E-Filing Options
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue about combined e-file of federal and state tax returns. See if you qualify to file your federal and Pennsylvania income taxes for FREE through a tax preparation software provider. These companies are authorized and approved by the PA Department of Revenue for the preparation and electronic filing of federal and state tax returns. The PA Department of Revenue recommends you read and understand the privacy, security and cost policies and procedures of any industry partner that may handle your tax returns, in order for you to make the most informed decision. The PA Department of Revenue does not endorse or warrant these companies, their products or services.
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
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.
PennDOT 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 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 these 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 Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
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 these 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
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.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
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.
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.
COMPASS
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.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
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 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.
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.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 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.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Save Your Home Philly Hotline
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.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
COMPASS
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 for free with IRS Direct File (Video)
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. File your taxes online – for free – with IRS Direct File. Eligible taxpayers in participating states have the option to file their taxes electronically, directly with the IRS for free. Learn more at https://directfile.irs.gov/ File your taxes online – for free – with IRS Direct File. Eligible taxpayers in participating states have the option to file their taxes electronically, directly with the IRS for free. Learn more at https://directfile.irs.gov/
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 Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
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 these 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.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 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 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.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms
Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
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.