Free Tax Prep Program Suspended and D-Jam Postponed

Just Harvest Suspends Free Tax Prep Program and Postpones D-Jam 2020

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 13, 2020) – In response to the ongoing public health concern surrounding COVID-19 preparedness and in accordance with emerging community best practices, Just Harvest is taking the following preventive measures to avoid mass gatherings and facilitate social distancing.

Just Harvest is suspending its Free Tax Prep program services at its South Side, CCAC Boyce Campus and Bedford Hope Center Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site locations for the duration of the mandated Pittsburgh Public School closings. Just Harvest will be open for existing tax appointments on Saturday, March 14; the suspension will begin Monday, March 16. Just Harvest hopes to reopen its tax sites on March 27 but will follow whatever practice is in place for PPS at that time.

In addition, Just Harvest, the Rex Theater, and theCause (the band) will postpone D-Jam 2020 until it is safe and practical to reschedule. Saturday, March 21 was to be the 21st year of this annual event hosted by musician David Tauberg and theCause. Just Harvest has been the beneficiary of all proceeds from D-Jam since 2017. To date, the event has raised more than $100,000 for local nonprofits.

“We are disappointed that we are unable to continue this important service and go forward with this wonderful event, but we want to ensure the health and safety of our clients, volunteers, and concert guests,” said Just Harvest Executive Director Ken Regal.

Just Harvest is a lead partner in the United Way of Allegheny County’s Free Tax Prep Coalition, which provides free income tax return preparation throughout the county to low-income households in order to maximize their tax refund. Launched in 2003, Just Harvest’s free IRS-certified tax return preparation service is now one of the largest in the entire state. Last year the organization’s volunteers and reviewers completed more than 3,200 tax returns and refunded more than $6.25 million to low-income families.

Anyone with an appointment scheduled during the closure will be contacted by Just Harvest to reschedule once the program has a confirmed reopening date.

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