Our Impact

Last year, 360 volunteers with the Free Tax Prep (FTP) Coalition prepared over 9,460 tax returns, delivering $14.9 million in refunds back to Southwestern PA residents and saving them $2.5 million in tax prep fees.

Volunteers connect hard-working people to their full tax refunds making a huge difference in our community. With your help, we can continue to expand our impact.

Why taxes?

The answer is simple: the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) do more to lift working families out of poverty than any other programs in the country. With an average credit of $2,400, the EITC, alongside the CTC, has lifted nearly 8 million people out of poverty each year.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) allows taxpayers to avoid the high cost of tax preparers to access these public benefits. Without fees or profit concerns, we focus on ensuring taxpayers receive all of their applicable tax credits and take the time to explain the tax return and next steps. Paid tax preparers often encourage taxpayers to make financial decisions that are not in their best interest, such as high-cost loans to receive their refund right away.

About Us

Our Coalition

The FTP Coalition is a partnership of nonprofits and universities operating Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout Southwestern PA. The Coalition is sponsored by the United Way of Southwestern PA and managed by Just Harvest.

With 20+ sites across 5 counties, you can choose a location and time convenient to you! We have tax sites open 6 days a week, with daytime, evening, and weekend schedules.

Our Valued Partners

We are excited to operate Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in five counties throughout Southwestern PA with the help of many community partners. Our coalition members are passionate about making tax preparation accessible in our communities.

Partner Sites Info and Directions

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