WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is alerting taxpayers about a growing number of fraudulent tax schemes circulating on social media that promote the misuse of credits such as the Fuel Tax Credit and the Sick and Family Leave Credit. These scams have led thousands of taxpayers to file inaccurate or frivolous returns, often resulting in the denial of refunds and steep penalties.

Since 2022, the IRS has seen a surge in questionable refund claims fueled by misleading social media posts and bad actors posing as tax experts. Many of the posts falsely claim that all taxpayers are eligible for credits they do not actually qualify for, such as those meant for self-employed individuals or businesses. The IRS routinely publishes and updates a list of frivolous positions on IRS.gov that could lead to the imposition of penalties.

Harrisburg, PA – On September 25, 2025, MidPenn Legal Services host its annual Access to Justice event at Riverdale Manor in Lancaster, PA.

Lancaster Attorney Sheila V. O’Rourke, Gibbel, Gibble Kraybill and Hess LLP, will receive the Donald F. Smith, Jr. Pro Bono Award for her commitment to advancing access to justice and serving marginalized communities. The Law Firm of the Year Award goes to the Blakinger Thomas Law Firm for its commitment to legal excellence and community impact.

The Friends of Legal Services Award will be presented to the Lancaster Bar Association and Lancaster Law Foundation. Through their many public interest projects, they have demonstrated how legal organizations can be a catalyst for positive change in the community.

Attorney James P. DeAngelo will also be recognized at the event for his work during MidPenn’s Pursuing Justice-Improving Lives campaign. This online giving campaign raises funding to provide free civil legal services in MidPenn’s 18-county service area.

The Access to Justice event is open to the public. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MidPenn Legal Services website: www.midpenn.org. MidPenn Legal Services is a nonprofit, public interest law firm serving 18 counties in central Pennsylvania.

WHYY - Chris Parks started using food stamps more than five years ago, when she left her job to care for her brother, who is a kidney transplant recipient and has an intellectual disability.

The Philadelphia resident said receiving food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help pay for groceries frees up her wallet for other expenses, such as medical bills.

“It really helps, especially now with prices fluctuating at the various markets. A lot of times, I’ll find that it’s even more challenging to find fresh, organic food at a reasonable price,” Parks said. “You shouldn’t have to feel that you have to compromise food in order to pay for other things.”