Ready to file your taxes? You can file for free at an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site near you. The City’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) also partners with non-profit organizations to provide free tax preparation services to low-income Philadelphians.
Small businesses can file their returns for free through the Department of Commerce’s Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP). Keep reading to find out when and where these free services are available.
Where to get your taxes done for FREE?
Free filing services are available at multiple VITA sites in Philadelphia. Use this website to search for providers in your area. Enter your zip code and select “Search”. The site displays a list of providers with their names, addresses, and phone numbers to choose from. Most free filers do not require an appointment. Just remember to bring your photo ID and all necessary tax documents.
Also listed below are five City-partnered free filer options available to vulnerable Philadelphians:
| Providers | What’s included | Fee & requirements | Service schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign for Working Families (CWF) | State and Federal returns; Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) | FREE for low-income families | Available throughout the tax season until the end of the digital filing season (usually mid-October). |
| Philadelphia Chinatown Development Cooperation | City Wage Tax refunds; State and Federal returns; EITC and CTC | FREE for limited English speakers, individuals with disabilities, or anyone earning less than $64,000 per year | Available from February to March. |
| Ceiba Inc. | City Wage Tax refunds; State and Federal returns; | FREE for limited English speakers, low-income families | Available throughout the year. |
| HACE CDC | State and Federal returns; EITC and CTC | FREE for low-income families | Available only during tax season |
| Congreso | State and Federal returns; EITC and CTC | FREE if your annual income isn’t more than $73,000 | Available only during tax season |
You can file in person or online with these providers. Visit their websites for additional information.
Claim the credits you qualify for
In addition to free filing, the City ensures that you receive the tax credits you are entitled to. Every year, CEO runs the ClaimYourMoneyPHL campaign to remind residents about the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Both the CTC and EITC are federal tax credits given to eligible taxpayers. Nevertheless, qualifying Philadelphians leave over $100 million on the table by not applying for these federal tax credits. The good news is that a VITA service provider or City-partnered preparer will make sure you claim these credits for FREE (if you qualify), even if you don’t owe federal taxes or don’t earn income.
They’ve already helped thousands of taxpayers file for free and claim tax credits. You can, too!
For small businesses
We always recommend business owners work with tax professionals, but if you need help, the Department of Commerce’s free filing service is a good option. Commerce offers free tax prep, bookkeeping, and accounting services. You can access these services through the Department’s BTAP program. Be aware that this tax prep help is only available during tax season and appointments are limited.
