BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has announced its schedule for the 2026 tax season, featuring a new local headquarters and significant changes to how taxpayers will receive their federal refunds.

Starting Feb. 2, IRS-certified volunteers will provide free tax preparation and e-filing for federal, state, and Ohio school district returns. Assistance with Bucyrus City income tax returns is also available.

New Location and Access Services have moved to St. John’s United Church of Christ, located at 120 South Lane St. in Bucyrus. To ensure smooth operations and respect for church activities, organizers have issued specific parking and entry instructions:

  • Entry: Use the drive-thru entrance on the north end of the building. An elevator and stairs to the second-floor service area are located immediately inside.
  • Parking: Residents are asked to park in the church lot at the corner of Lane and Rensselaer or on the street.
  • Restricted Areas: Parking is prohibited in the Elks lot and in the specific drive-thru spaces reserved for church use.

New Federal Refund Policy A major change for the 2025 tax year is the phase-out of paper checks. According to program organizers, the IRS will no longer mail physical refund checks. All taxpayers qualifying for a refund must provide a bank account for direct deposit.

Eligibility and Appointments The free service is available to low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, generally defined as those earning $80,000 or less. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the VITA-specific scheduling line at 419-617-6657.

Please note that the Council on Aging is no longer handling scheduling. Callers are asked to wait until the last week of January to book their appointments.

Operating Hours and Requirements The site will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through April 13.

Taxpayers must bring:

  • All 2025 income documents (W-2, W-2G, 1099s, SSA-1099, 1095-A, etc.).
  • Information on estimated tax payments or medical expenses.
  • A copy of their 2024 tax return.
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit.

Organizers remind the public that many 1099 forms are not mailed until Feb. 15, and taxpayers should ensure they have all documents before their scheduled appointment.