Important Tax News You Can Use!
New Working Families Tax Credit to Put More Money Back in Pennsylvanians’ Pockets — UFS Helping Residents Claim It
March 27, 2026
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PA State Senator Vincent Hughes, instrumental is passing the new WPTC law, alongside Mary Arthur
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President CHOP - Joe Mitchell Governor Josh Shapiro State Senator Vincent Hughes State Representative Amen Brown
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PA State Rep Amen Brown, instrumental is passing the new WPTC law, alongside Mary Arthur
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Governor Josh Shapiro Executive Director, Mary Arthur – Universal Financial Solutions State Senator Vincent Hughes
Philadelphia, PA — Universal Financial Solutions (UFS) recently joined community partners at the CHOP Karabots Pediatric Center on March 27, 2026, to help Pennsylvania residents unlock tax benefits they may be missing—including the newly launched Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC).
Created to support working individuals and families, the WPTC is one of seven tax cuts enacted under PA Governor Josh Shapiro. It is expected to deliver meaningful financial relief across the Commonwealth.
“Many working families are unaware of new tax credits that can significantly increase their refund,” said Executive Director Mary Arthur of Universal Financial Solutions. “We’re here to make sure every eligible Pennsylvanian understands the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. And, most importantly we are here to ensure they actually receive it.”
What You Should Know About the WPTC
The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is a new, refundable state credit for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. Based on earned income and filing status, eligible taxpayers may receive additional funds as part of their return.
UFS tax professionals are helping residents determine eligibility, file with confidence, and claim every dollar they deserve. Get started today!
FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES
Committed to empowering individuals, families, and small businesses with strategic tax solutions that optimize their financial outcomes.
About UFS
Providing FREE Tax Preparation
for Those Who Need it Most
VITA is a vital resource for low- to moderate-income families, providing free, accurate tax preparation and maximizing tax credits. Universal Financial Solutions (UFS) builds on this mission by connecting the community with social services, improving financial stability, and supporting goals like credit repair, housing solutions, and access to public benefits. We also help displaced workers gain new skills. As one of the federal government’s strongest antipoverty tools, VITA ensures families and individuals receive the support they deserve.
Working Toward Your Financial Goals
UFS empowers working families and individuals by providing free tax preparation, resource building, and asset development. Partnering with local organizations, UFS offers access to savings products, credit counseling, financial education, public benefits, and community referrals. Our mission is to help you maximize federal and state tax credits, including the EITC, Child Tax Credit, Education Credit, and PA State EITC.
Our principal, Mary Arthur, has over 20 years of VITA experience that includes managing tax sites for Campaign for Working Families (CWF) that served 25,000+ residents annually. UFS understands the ongoing need for accessible, free services. UFS will operate community-based tax sites offering e-filing, direct deposit, and access to financial tools, promoting financial stability and asset growth for Philadelphia’s low- to moderate-income residents.
Our Services
Finding the Credits & Deductions You Need!
More than 1 Way to File!
In-Person Filing
For community members who prefer personal interaction, UFS offers on-site access to certified tax professionals, delivering trusted, individualized assistance.
Drop-Off Services
Busy taxpayers can take advantage of UFS’s secure drop-off service, submitting their documents quickly and collecting their finished returns at a later time.
Credits & Deductions to Save You Money!
We work hard to find a wide range of money saving items during filing, including:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) • Child Tax Credit
Additional Child Tax Credit • Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning)
Student Loan • Educator Expenses
Itemized Deductions
We also prepare returns for Pennsylvania state credits and deductions, including the Tax Forgiveness Credit, Employee Business Expenses Deductions (Union Dues, Uniforms, Travel, etc.), and the PA 1000 (property tax and renter credits). Alongside IRS free tax preparation services, UFS will provide referrals to partner organizations for public benefits and financial literacy workshops covering budgeting and asset development.
Volunteers
Make a Difference in the Community
Through Universal Financial Solutions’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, you could make a real impact on working families.
By sharing your time and expertise, you help uplift households, reduce poverty, and strengthen the foundation of a more equitable community.
UFS’s VITA program empowers volunteers to directly support families in need. Your contribution of time and skills becomes a vital part of reducing poverty and building stronger, fairer neighborhoods. When you volunteer with UFS, you do more than prepare taxes—you change lives. Your service helps families access critical resources, overcome financial barriers, and move toward lasting stability and equity.
Benefits of Volunteering
Personal Growth
- Develop valuable interpersonal and communication skills
- Build confidence by working with diverse individuals
- Gain experience guiding families through the tax preparation process
Community Impact
- Make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families
- Provide free tax assistance to low-income households
- Help families maximize refunds and strengthen financial stability
Internal Revenue Services Recognized Credential
- Earn a respected credential in tax preparation
- Enhance your resume with practical, real-world experience
- Open doors to new opportunities in the financial and nonprofit sectors
Mary Arthur
mary@universalfreetax.org
