Shapiro Administration Launches Outreach Effort to Encourage Pennsylvanians to Take Advantage of New Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR) and Department of Human Services (DHS) are working together to ensure eligible Pennsylvanians know about the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC). As part of this coordinated outreach, DHS is sending emails to more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians who already qualify for and receive public benefits such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), highlighting their potential eligibility for the credit.

The WPTC — created in the 2025-26 budget signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro — is a new state-level tax credit designed to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvanians. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the WPTC is expected to deliver $193 million in tax relief to 940,000 working Pennsylvanians this tax season.

“We are following Governor Shapiro’s lead and doing everything we can this tax season to put money back into the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvanians. One way we can do that is by encouraging them to take advantage of the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit,” said DOR Secretary Pat Browne. “By coordinating with DHS, we’re reaching working residents who may qualify for the credit and ensuring they know how they can take advantage of it. We want as many Pennsylvanians as possible to benefit from the WPTC prior to the April 15 deadline for filing taxes.”

“Many Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits are working hard every day to support themselves and their families, often on low or fixed incomes. The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is a new tool that can make a real financial difference for these individuals and families when they file their taxes this year,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “DHS is proud to partner with our colleagues at the Department of Revenue to spread the word about the tax credit and explain how it can help Pennsylvanians get some of their hard-earned dollars back into their own pockets.”

This collaboration between DOR and DHS builds on a similar outreach effort from last year that informed Pennsylvanians about the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program. Under Secretary Browne’s leadership, DOR has implemented new strategies to reach Pennsylvanians who may benefit from department-administered programs, including the WPTC and PTRR. 

Eligibility

Pennsylvanians qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit based on income and number of dependents. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the new state-level credit equals 10 percent of the federal credit. 

Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will automatically qualify for the WPTC. Eligible taxpayers can receive up to $805. Visit pa.gov/wptc for more information and to check eligibility using an online calculator.

The chart below shows the maximum federal EITC and the corresponding maximum WPTC, along with the estimated number of Pennsylvanians who will benefit during the current tax season.

For more information on Medicaid, SNAP, and how to apply for benefits, visit DHS’ website.