Tax season can be overwhelming (and the April 15 deadline really has a way of sneaking up on us all!).
Some good news: In Philadelphia, there are a handful of no-cost resources for preparing your tax return — though in some cases eligibility depends on income level, background, or what types of forms you’ll need to use. (These tax prep volunteers may not be able to handle every situation; if your returns are complicated, you might have to see an accountant.)
Here are some options for free tax assistance in Philly, available in-person or online. Before you choose one, make sure you read their websites to find out what documents you will need to gather and bring with you.
This program offers volunteer tax assistance to “anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income,” according to its website. You can find in-person Tax Aide sites in Northwest and Northeast Philly, plus several in nearby suburbs.
According to the IRS, VITA sites aim to provide tax help to “people who generally make $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.” Volunteer preparers must undergo tax law training that meets the IRS’ standards.
Several VITA sites in Philly offer services in languages other than English, like Spanish, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and American Sign Language. When you search, be sure to check for each provider’s hours, dates available, and whether an appointment is required.
This Brewerytown-based nonprofit offers free tax help to Philadelphians — primarily low- and moderate-income families — at in-person sites across the region, or virtually. (Their sites are part of the VITA program.) According to the CWF website, the organization can help first-time filers, people with unfiled past tax returns, and filers who need help with corrections to a prior return.
If you have an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less, you may be eligible to use guided online tax software provided by one of the IRS’s partners to file your federal return for free. Depending on which software you choose, you may be charged to file your state tax return.
This e-filing software allows active duty military members, their families, survivors, and recent veterans to receive free tax assistance and file federal and up to three state returns at no cost.
