Would you like more money in your pocket at tax time next year?

Free tax preparation is available by appointment at friendly, convenient Bucks Back sites throughout Bucks County between January and April for households with annual household income at or below $49,000.  IRS-trained and certified volunteers will prepare and e-file your return under the watchful eye of experienced professionals while you wait.  Additional services include direct deposit, credit report and score, Go Direct, Community Financial Resources Debit Card, BUCK$ LEARN financial education workshops and more.

What is BUCK$ BACK?

BUCK$ BACK is a non-profit volunteer-driven free tax preparation program created and operated by the Bucks County Opportunity Council in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. The program enables low to moderate-income filers to access tax refunds and credits without paying unreasonably high preparation, convenience and cash advance loan fees.

What are the qualifications of
BUCK$ BACK volunteer preparers?

All BUCK$ BACK volunteer tax preparers must complete a rigorous IRS training and certification curriculum each year before volunteering.  Many of our volunteers have significant tax-related work experience or are retired tax professionals.  We even have a few IRS retirees.  Filers regularly compliment the volunteers on their knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations.

How do I make an appointment?

Call 215-345-8175 x 201 after January 1, 2011 to shedule an appointment at the nearest BUCK$ BACK site.

You will be asked to answer the following questions so we can schedule an appointment at the site best prepared to meet your unique needs:

• Is your annual household income below $50,000?
• Do you and your dependents have valid Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)?
• Have you bought or sold any stock in the last year?
• Do you own a business?
• Do you own a home or do you rent?
• If you own a home, are you planning to take a standard deduction?
• Are you age 65 or older?
• Do you recieve Social Security?
• Do you recieve a pension?

What should I bring with me to the appointment?

Please arrive at least fifteen minutes before your scheduled appotinment and bring the following with you to the appointment:

• Photo identification for you (and your spouse if it is a joint return). This can be a driver’s license, work ID or other recognized form of identification.
• Social Security Cards for yourself, your spouse and your children.
• Correct birth dates for yourself, your spouse and your children.
• W2 or 1099 forms from all employers.
• Form W-2G Certain Gambling Winnings, if applicable.
• SSA-1099 Social Security Benefits Statement, if applicable.
• RRB-1099 Payment by the Railroad Retirement Board, if applicable.
• Records of all other income received.
• Property Tax Information or Rental Payments.
• Total interest paid on student loans, tuition payments and/or both.
• If using Direct Deposit, a bank document showing the bank routing number and account number (i.e. a voided blank check).
• If claiming child and dependent care expense, the amount paid and the care providers name, address and identifying number.
• A copy of last year’s tax return, if possible.

What is the impact of BUCK$ BACK?

BUCK$ BACK was established six years ago. Research indicates that similar programs in other communities have a positive impact on the health and viability of the local economy and provide low to moderate-income filers with crucial income that can be used to reduce debt, fund savings, offset education costs, purchase safe, reliable transportation, or make a down payment on a home.

The following is summary of BUCK$ BACK cumulative results to date:

• $5,840,765 in refunds, credits, and fee savings returned to filers in our community.
• 3,555 federal returns prepared by IRS-trained and certifiied volunteers.
• The program consistently return at least $25 to the community for every $1 invested.