For the first time, the organization fully managed the entire process after becoming certified by the IRS to provide free and accessible service to Pittsburgh’s Latino community
By Eduardo Hayek
The Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (PHDC) launched its own free tax
preparation program for the first time in 2025, specifically aimed at the Latino community
and low-income households in the city.
After years of only serving as a host, the organization fully took on the process this year by
becoming certified as an official VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site authorized
by the IRS.
Between 2021 and 2023, PHDC partnered with other nonprofit organizations to offer tax
preparation services, managing appointments and providing its facilities. But in 2023,
PHDC decided to take a bigger step by preparing to run its own VITA center. With the
support of the IRS’s Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication
(SPEC)program, its staff received the necessary training and certification.
A Challenge Overcome
“The process is complex,” explained Howard Álvarez, PHDC’s Director of Operations. “It
requires approvals, exams, and mastery of IRS publications. In addition, you must build a
full team: coordinators, preparers, receptionists, and reviewers. You have to ensure the
accuracy of the data before submitting the return electronically.”
During its first season, from February 10 to April 14, PHDC completed 47 tax returns in
English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with the support of volunteers and trained staff.
Although the primary focus is the Latino community, the service is available to anyone in
need.
In 2026, the Corporation plans to include assistance with obtaining an ITIN (Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number), further expanding the reach of the program. Volunteer
recruitment is already underway—no prior tax experience is required, just a desire to help.
Training will begin in the fall.
Currently, PHDC is the only VITA site in Pittsburgh with a direct focus on Latinos,
reinforcing its mission to promote financial education and economic growth within this
community.