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Relief for Taxpayers During COVID-19 Pandemic

To help people facing financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Revenue is providing many taxpayers with increased flexibility with regard to their tax obligations. The goal is to help Pennsylvania taxpayers and citizens impacted by the pandemic.

Provide Flexible Terms for New Payment Plans

The department has revised general payment plan guidelines to permit greater flexibility on payment amount and duration of time. Taxpayers now have the ability to request a payment plan for outstanding liabilities without the department imposing a lien. The department will also not require financial disclosure documentation for payment plans that are under $12,000 and can be resolved within 12 months.

  • $6,000 and less – Plans up to 6 months
  • $12,000 and less – Plans up to 12 months

Focused Customer Service

The department is available to answer taxpayer questions through its Online Customer Service Center, available at revenue-pa.custhelp.com. Taxpayers can find answers to thousands of common tax questions or submit their tax-specific questions to a department representative.

Collections and Enforcement Activities

In an effort to provide taxpayer service, enforcement staff will be available for businesses to discuss proactive ways to comply with Pennsylvania tax laws. Small and newly registered businesses are encouraged to contact local District Offices in an effort to help avoid falling into common tax pitfalls. The department will work with businesses to help them avoid common filing errors, navigate the department's website to locate specific guidance, and answer any questions about electronic filing and payment.

The department will continue to work to resolve debt for large and complex accounts that remain outstanding. In addition, the department will continue to pursue taxpayers that willfully avoid meeting their Pennsylvania tax obligations.

Non-filer Notices

The department will continue to send non-filer notices and conduct automated call campaigns for business taxes as a reminder of their obligations. Businesses are encouraged to file and remit online using myPATH, the department’s online tax system for businesses. Find the REV-819 on the department’s website for a schedule of return and prepayment due dates.

Once returns have been filed, taxpayers who have a financial hardship can take that opportunity to resolve any outstanding liabilities by entering into a payment plan using the department’s new flexible terms.

Trust Fund Taxes

All collected trust fund monies must be reported and remitted in full in accordance with your filing frequency. The department will not issue an extension of payment dates related to trust fund taxes.

Tax Credit and Incentive Programs

Tax clearances statutorily required will continue to be administered timely to ensure that the commonwealth can fulfill contractual obligations to award benefits to those participating in economic development programs.

Board of Appeals

All in-person hearings will be suspended until further notice. During this time, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file all appeals using the Board’s online petition center at www.boardofappeals.state.pa.us. Read Board of Appeals Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic for more information.