Skip to content

Free Tax Prep

Every year, United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Coalition mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to prepare thousands of tax returns for free, enabling households earning less than $70,000 a year to claim their full refunds and keep more money in their pockets. Highly-trained volunteer preparers maximize refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits, which can total 50% of a household’s yearly income. Since 2009, the Free Tax Prep Coalition has helped 129,000 taxpayers file their returns for free, saving $29 million in tax prep fees and generating $212 million in refunds.

To volunteer as a tax preparer or greeter, visit the Just Harvest website.

Taxpayer Resources

United Way and the Free Tax Prep Coalition will help you maximize your refund and get your taxes done for free.  

Schedule a tax appointment.

United Way’s Free Tax Prep Coalition provides free, in-person tax preparation services to individuals earning up to $50,000 and households of two+ earning up to $70,000. Tax sites are open from mid-January to mid-April each year. Scheduling opens on Jan. 12, 2026. Take the eligibility quiz here and schedule an appointment. Appointments can also be scheduled by dialing 211.

File your own taxes for free. No appointment required.

For taxpayers earning up to $89,000:

  • Go to the library: You can complete your own return using free, secure online tax software with support from trained volunteers at Carnegie Library branches. No appointment needed. See the schedule below.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate information.

Looking for help with your property tax or rent rebate? Visit this web page to find assistance near you. 

What to bring to your tax appointment.

Bring printed copies of the following documents to your tax appointment.  

These documents are required for everyone:  

  • Photo identification (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly).  Acceptable documents include a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. 
  • Social security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter for yourself, your spouse, and each person to be claimed on your return. 
  • W-2 forms for all jobs held in 2025.  

The IRS is moving away from paper checks. Without direct deposit to a bank account, you could face lengthy delays getting your tax refund. Open a bank account before tax season starts so you can receive your refund quickly and securely through direct deposit. We partner with Bank On Allegheny County to provide taxpayers with a list of safe and low-cost accounts. See a list of safe and low-cost accounts here.    

  • If anyone on your tax return is in post-secondary education (college): Record of tuition payments (1098-T), plus receipts for college materials and books. A student account statement from the Financial Aid office can also be helpful. 
  • If you paid for childcare: total expenses and name, address, and tax ID number of provider(s).  
  • Form 1095 A B or C with health insurance information if you received one. 
  • If you own your home: Mortgage interest statement and property tax receipts. 
  • Local tax forms or any tax booklets you’ve received in the mail. 
  • A copy of last year’s tax return if you have it.   
  • Your last paystub(s) from 2025. 
  • Anything that says “This is important for your taxes.” 

Additional Tax Options

Self-Prep Schedule 

Bring your tax documents to any of the following Carnegie Library locations on the listed days/times, and you can complete your own return using free, secure online tax software with support from trained volunteers. No appointment required. Income limit $89,000. 

Monday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m., East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield St., Pittsburgh PA 15206. 
Friday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Knoxville, 400 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15210. 
Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m., Allegheny, 1230 Federal St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. 
Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brookline, 708 Brookline Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15226. 
Monday, Mar. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Downtown, 612 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  
Friday, Mar. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Woods Run, 1201 Woods Run Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. 
Monday, Mar. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., West End, 47 Wabash Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15220. 
Wednesday, Mar. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m., East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh PA 15206. 
Thursday, Mar. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Downtown, 612 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222. 
Saturday, Mar. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m., Knoxville, 400 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15210. 
Monday, Mar. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., West End, 47 Wabash Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15220. 
Thursday, Mar. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m., Allegheny, 1230 Federal St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. 
Saturday, Mar. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., Brookline, 708 Brookline Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15226. 
Saturday, Apr. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., Woods Run, 1201 Woods Run Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. 

Don’t have a bank account? Get one now for faster returns.

The IRS is moving away from paper checks. Without direct deposit to a bank account, you could face lengthy delays getting your tax refund. Open a bank account before tax season starts so you can receive your refund quickly and securely through direct deposit. We partner with Bank On Allegheny County to provide taxpayers with a list of safe and low-cost accounts. See a list of safe and low-cost accounts here.  

Have questions?

If you filed your taxes at one of our sites last season and have follow up questions or need additional assistance, contact Emily Schmidlapp, manager of moving to financial stability, at [email protected] or at 412-456-6747.