The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has launched its awareness campaign for the 2025 filing season, expanding outreach events, free tax filing resources, and extended service hours across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The campaign highlights new tools, including the IRS Direct File program, designed to help taxpayers navigate the filing deadline more easily and confidently.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has rolled out a comprehensive plan to make taxes in Pennsylvania easier to manage during the 2025 filing season. From in-person events to digital tools, the department is prioritizing accessibility and convenience for taxpayers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
One of the most notable changes this year is the introduction of the IRS Direct File program. Pennsylvania is among 25 states partnering with the IRS to provide a no-cost way for eligible residents to prepare and file federal and state tax returns online. Approximately 2.1 million people qualify for Direct File in Pennsylvania.
The system covers common income types such as wages, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and interest. By expanding free filing options, the Department of Revenue aims to reduce the burden of paid software and professional services for many households.
The department’s outreach also emphasizes the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program, which has seen expanded eligibility under Governor Josh Shapiro. More than 460,000 applications have been submitted to date, with a 14.6% increase in online claims filed through myPATH Pennsylvania compared to last year.
Department staff have held over 100 events in community centers and senior facilities across 27 counties to help eligible residents apply. These sessions not only connect people to rebates but also serve as a direct way to provide tax information and answer questions in person.
Recognizing that many taxpayers still need personal assistance, the Department of Revenue has extended customer service hours leading up to the filing deadline on April 15. Support is available until 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Taxpayers can call to confirm their identity, verify income details, or check refund status with trained representatives. These services are especially valuable for individuals preparing their return for the first time, reviewing deductions, or requesting help with forms. The department is working to ensure fewer taxpayers face penalties or delays by offering more ways to access assistance.
Awareness campaigns for the filing season are long-standing initiatives designed to ensure taxpayers understand their obligations, resources, and deadlines. These campaigns have become especially important in Pennsylvania as the Department of Revenue seeks to expand access to tax information and improve the filing process.
In past years, campaigns were limited to brochures, online guidance, or basic reminders about the filing deadline. For 2025, the department has significantly broadened its approach, blending in-person assistance with enhanced digital options. This shift recognizes that many taxpayers still value direct support when preparing their return. In contrast, others prefer online tools such as myPATH Pennsylvania or the new IRS Direct File program.
Expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program also underscores the policy backdrop driving this year’s outreach. With more residents now able to apply and qualify for rebates, the department is prioritizing ways to connect with seniors, low-income households, and others who may benefit most from these credits. By pairing community engagement with improved online services, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is working to reduce errors, prevent penalties, and ensure that more people successfully submit their returns on time.
Leaders at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue say this year’s expanded filing season campaign aims to make services easier to access and reduce the stress of taxes in Pennsylvania. Revenue Secretary Pat Browne has emphasized that customer service is central to the department’s mission.
“The No. 1 goal in the department's strategic plan is to improve customer service continually,” Browne said, noting that the campaign’s in-person events, extended hours, and digital resources are all designed to help people file on time and avoid penalties.
Browne also highlighted the benefits of new options such as the Direct File program, allowing eligible residents to prepare and submit federal and state returns for free.
“If you're looking to save time and money this tax season, we're here to help. We want to do everything we can to make sure people are aware that these tools exist and that they can reduce stress and financial burden for many households,” Browne explained.
The department has also stressed the importance of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, urging eligible residents to apply and take advantage of the expanded credits now available.
For Pennsylvania residents, the most important date this year is the April 15 filing deadline. Anyone with more than $33 in taxable income must file a state return, even if no federal return is required. The Department of Revenue provides several free filing options, such as myPATH Pennsylvania for state returns and the Direct File program for individuals who qualify to file both state and federal returns at the same time.
Taxpayers can review deductions, request credits, and check refund status online or by phone. In-person help is available at outreach events, district offices, and senior centers statewide. By preparing early, confirming identity details, and using free filing tools, people across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can avoid penalties, access rebates, and ensure their forms are submitted and accepted on time.
Pennsylvania taxpayers can access reliable resources directly from state and federal agencies:
These resources clearly explain how to prepare and file returns, confirm identity and income, check refund status, and learn about deductions or credits. If taxpayers still have questions, they can call the department’s customer service line or schedule in-person appointments at district offices across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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