Scranton Students to Offer Free Income Tax Assistance

Lackawanna and Wayne County residents, whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2025, can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years.

Walk-in service at Brennan Hall on the University's campus begins Monday, Feb. 4, and will end on Wednesday, April 8. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting its website or calling 570-602-3133 or 1-866-662-8887.

Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year's tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or -C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate.

Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in Room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University's campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Service begins on Monday, Feb. 4, and continues to Wednesday, April 8, except for the week of March 16-20, when the University is closed for Spring Break.

The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather.

The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day. Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.