On March 14, 2023, the state Department of Revenue announced the elimination of the Department’s Telefile system, effective December 31, 2023. Telefile is a way for Pennsylvania taxpayers to file tax returns and make payments to the Department over the phone, rather than using an internet-based system.
After the Department’s announcement, NFIB instantly began receiving inquiries from concerned small business owners across the Commonwealth. NFIB set up meetings with the Department as well as lawmakers to address the small business community’s concerns and to seek a remedy for all parties.
We are pleased to report that these meetings were successful, and the Department will continue to offer the Telefile system for users that meet one of two exemptions: religious or technological challenge(s). Current Telefile users will receive a letter from the Department in mid-October asking them whether they meet the religious or technological challenge(s) exemption. It is important that all Telefile users respond to this letter should they wish to continue to use the telephonic system. Users that do not respond to the Department will not be granted an exemption and will need to prepare to use the Department’s online system.
NFIB applauds the Department’s willingness to collaborate on a solution that will allow small business owners to file tax returns in a manner that does not compromise their religious beliefs or create an undue burden on those without online access. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Department on innovative solutions that benefit small business owners and the Commonwealth.
