How to File PA State Taxes for Free

Pennsylvania residents must file an annual income tax return. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires individuals to file a Personal Income Tax (PIT) return, known as the PA-40, if their total gross taxable income exceeds a minimal threshold, which was $33 in a recent tax year. This guide offers a clear pathway to fulfilling this requirement without incurring preparation or submission fees, detailing the various free resources and processes available to taxpayers.

Pennsylvania’s Free Filing Programs

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR) provides several avenues for taxpayers to file their state income tax returns at no cost. The primary official resource is myPATH, the DOR’s online portal for secure electronic filing. It allows individuals to prepare and submit their PA-40 return directly, with features like automatic calculators and instant confirmation.

Beyond myPATH, the federal IRS Free File Program extends its benefits to Pennsylvania taxpayers, connecting them with approved software providers. If a taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) falls below a specific income threshold (e.g., $84,000 for 2024), they may qualify to use these commercial software products for free federal and, in many cases, free state tax filing. Accessing these services is done through the IRS website, which then directs users to participating vendors.

Pennsylvania also participates in the IRS Direct File program, a new initiative allowing eligible taxpayers to file both their federal and state returns for free. This program is suitable for those with straightforward tax situations, primarily involving income from W-2s, certain 1099 forms (such as 1099-G for unemployment or 1099-INT for interest), and who resided in Pennsylvania for the entire tax year. The Direct File tool streamlines the process by allowing easy transfer of federal tax data to the state return. While some commercial tax software companies advertise free state filing, verify their terms, as eligibility often depends on income or return complexity.

Essential Information for Filing

Before filing, gather all necessary documentation and information. Personal identification details, including Social Security numbers and dates of birth for the primary taxpayer, spouse, and any dependents, are needed for accurate processing.

Income documentation includes W-2 Wage and Tax Statements from all employers, detailing wages earned and taxes withheld. Also gather various 1099 forms, such as:
1099-INT for interest income
1099-DIV for dividends
1099-R for retirement distributions
1099-NEC for non-employee compensation
1099-G for unemployment compensation
1099-SA for health savings account distributions

Information related to potential deductions or credits specific to Pennsylvania tax law is also required. Pennsylvania permits deductions for contributions to Medical Savings Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Section 529 qualified Tuition Programs, and Section 529A Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Accounts. Taxpayers should collect details for any applicable state-specific credits, such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, if they qualify. Access to the prior year’s tax return, particularly the tax liability amount from Line 12 of the PA-40, can be necessary for identity verification when using myPATH. For direct deposit, bank account and routing numbers are also needed.

Step-by-Step Free Filing

Once all necessary information has been assembled, the process of free filing can begin using the chosen platform, such as myPATH or an approved Free File software. If using myPATH, taxpayers can access the PA-40 filing option directly from the homepage, selecting the appropriate tax year. Identity verification involves providing the primary taxpayer’s Social Security number and either their previous year’s tax liability or Pennsylvania driver’s license/photo ID details.

The online system will guide users through an interview-style process, prompting for the various income details from W-2s and 1099s. Taxpayers will input their deductions and credit information, ensuring all relevant figures are accurately transferred from their compiled documents. Utilize the platform’s navigation buttons to move through sections and avoid losing entered data. After all information is entered, thoroughly review the entire return to catch any potential errors before submission.

The system will then calculate the tax liability or refund amount. Before final submission, electronic signature requirements must be met, which involves confirming identity details once more. Upon successful electronic submission, the platform will provide an instant confirmation, often including a confirmation number. This confirmation serves as proof of filing and should be saved for personal records.

What to Expect After Filing

After electronically submitting a free Pennsylvania state tax return, an immediate confirmation appears on screen, often followed by an email notification. This confirmation should be retained, as it includes a unique number that verifies the submission and can be used for future inquiries.

Taxpayers can monitor the status of their refund through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s myPATH portal by accessing the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. To check the status, individuals will need to provide their Social Security number, the tax year for which they filed, and the exact refund amount expected. For electronically filed returns, a refund processes within approximately four weeks, while paper-filed returns can take eight to ten weeks.

Maintain copies of the submitted tax return and all supporting documents, both digitally and physically, for at least three years from the filing date. This practice is important for addressing any future inquiries from the Department of Revenue or for reference in subsequent tax years. Should the Department of Revenue contact a taxpayer for additional information or clarification, responding promptly and providing requested details can prevent delays. If a disagreement arises regarding an assessment or refund, taxpayers have the option to appeal initial decisions through the Board of Appeals.