Local Tax Return Filing Instructions - Tax Returns Due by April 15

Sep 19, 2026

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Instructions for local earned income tax return filing specify the April 15 postmark deadline and explain penalties and interest for late returns. The notice clarifies that failure to receive a form is not a valid reason for non-filing and that a return must be filed even without earnings, if a student, or when tax was withheld. It defines taxable versus non-taxable income, required proof such as W-2s, 1099s, and schedules, acceptable documentation for deductions, and remittance, refund, and extension procedures.

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Filing deadline and forms

Filing requirements and who must file

Tax rate and taxable vs non-taxable income

Proof of earnings and documentation

Payments, remittances, refunds, and penalties

Remittance rules and bad checks

Refund processing and SSN requirement

Due date, penalties, and interest

Extension requests and taxpayer rights notification

TAX RETURNS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN APRIL 15th. RETURNS POSTMARKED AFTER APRIL 15th WILL BE ASSESSED WITH PENALTY AND INTEREST FAILURE TO RECEIVE A TAX RETURN FORM FROM THIS OFFICE IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE FOR NOT FILING. ADDITIONAL RETURN FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THIS OFFICE AT THE CITY BUILDING, 984 WATER STREET, MEADVILLE, PA 16335 OR ON OUR WEB SITE [AT www.cityofmeadville.org](AT www.cityofmeadville.org). A RETURN MUST BE FILED EVEN IF: 1. You are or were a college student. 2. There are no earnings and/or no tax is due. 3. The tax was withheld by your employer TAX RATE: The earned income tax is one percent (1 %) of the taxable income. TAXABLE INCOME: Net Profits and Earned Income for the period of January 1st through December 31st. Taxable Income Includes: 1. Gross earnings, salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, fees, incentive payments, tips, contributions made to an annuity or deferred income plan and other compensation or remuneration such as vacation pay, severance pay or taxes assumed by the employer to the employee for services rendered in cash, property or services. 2 Military Reserve pay and National Guard pay (except active duty) . 3. Stipends and Fellowships 4. Net Profits from Business, Farming, Partnerships. 5. Profit Sharing plans and pension plans that are also taxable by the State. 6. Fees and Honorarium (Fees paid to Corporation Directors/Officers or Estate Executors/Administrators) NON-TAXABLE INCOME: Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB PAY); Unemployment Benefits; Public Assistance; Interest; Dividends; Scholarships; Active Duty Military Service Pay; Social Security Benefits; Lottery Winnings; Strike Pay; Cost of Group Term Life Insurance: Disability and 3rd Party Sick Pay; Annuities; Pensions; IRA Pension Payments received upon retirement; Proceeds from Insurance Policies; Death Benefit payments to an employee's beneficiary or estate; cash or property received by a will. Parsonage/Housing allowance payments received by the taxpayer. PROOF OF EARNINGS: Must accompany each return. Include all W-2's, applicable 1099's and all applicable schedules. This Information should indicate the municipality to which any withheld tax was paid or the area in which you were employed. SELF-EMPLOYER: 1. Self-Employed Individuals are required to file a tax return even if you sustained a net loss. Enclose a copy of the Schedule or Schedules showing the loss. NET LOSS OF ONE SPOUSE NETTED AGAINST THE EARNINGS OF THE OTHER IS NOT PERMITTED. 2. If you are Self-Employed during the tax year, indicate the type of business or profession and list the net profit or loss on the Individual Tax Return. Submit all appropriate schedules as proof of earnings. (Federal or State forms are acceptable) . Examples are: Schedule C-Net Profits from Business Schedule K-1 Net Profit from Partnership Schedule F-Net Profits from Farming UNREIMBURSED EMPLOYEE BUSINESS EXPENSES: "Ordinary, Necessary, Reasonable and Actual" Business Expenses not reimbursed by your employer will be permitted as an allowable deduction, provided each expense is required by the employer in order for the taxpayer to keep his or her present job. 1. An exact, duplicate copy of the Federal Form 2106 is required, as provided to the Internal Revenue Service. THE BUSINESS EXPENSE FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY, IF THE EXPENSE DEDUCTION FORMS ARE OMITTED, OR ARE NOT FULLY COMPLETE, THE EXPENSE DEDUCTIONS WILL BE DISALLOWED. 2. Each expense is to be explained in detail on the forms, as per each form's instructions. All federal schedules must be included to substantiate actual expenses taken. Records are to be available for verification and are subject to review at the Bureau office during normal office hours. 3. Estimates are not acceptable. 4. Allowable Expenses: Union Dues, Clothing Allowance, Small Tools & Supplies, Professional License Fees & Bond Insurance Premiums. REMITTANCE: Checks shou

FAQs

What is the deadline for filing and what happens if the return is postmarked after April 15?

Tax returns must be postmarked no later than April 15. Returns postmarked after April 15 incur penalty and interest.

Do I have to file a tax return if I am a student, have no earnings, or had taxes withheld by my employer?

Yes. A return must be filed even if you are or were a college student, there are no earnings and/or no tax due, or the tax was withheld by your employer.

What documents must accompany each return as proof of earnings?

Include all W-2s, applicable 1099s, and all applicable schedules, with information indicating the municipality to which withheld tax was paid or the area where you were employed.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by James