Tax season presents two distinct categories of value for consumers: professional assistance with filing returns at no cost and promotional deals from restaurants and retailers on Tax Day. In Buffalo, New York, residents with limited income have access to several verified programs offering free tax preparation services provided by certified volunteers. Simultaneously, national restaurant chains offer limited-time discounts and free items on April 15 to coincide with the tax filing deadline.
This article details the free tax preparation options available to Buffalo residents and outlines the specific Tax Day food deals available in the region, based on verified source material.
Free Tax Preparation Services in Buffalo
Residents of Buffalo and the surrounding Western New York area who meet specific income requirements can access free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These services are designed to help low-to-moderate-income taxpayers file accurate returns and claim eligible credits without paying preparation fees.
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC)
The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC), in collaboration with First Shiloh Baptist and KeyBank, provides free tax preparation services. While a specific Saturday event was noted in the source material, the BFNC continues to offer assistance through tax day, April 15.
- Eligibility: The service is available to those who qualify.
- Schedule: Appointments are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Registration: Individuals must sign up for appointments online at 211wny.org. Alternatively, appointments can be scheduled by calling 852-5065 ext. 601 or emailing [email protected].
- Mission: According to Chandra Redfern, BFNC CEO, the program is part of the organization's mission to "provide services that enhance the quality of life, increase financial security, and support economic independence."
University at Buffalo School of Management (UB VITA)
The University at Buffalo School of Management operates a VITA site staffed by IRS-certified accounting students. This program is part of the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance initiative and is led by student volunteers from the UB Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and the UB Accounting Association.
- Target Audience: Western New York residents and students are encouraged to use this service.
- Financial Impact: By IRS estimates, this service saves taxpayers $100 to $500 in preparation fees. Since 2008, student volunteers have prepared over 10,000 tax returns, bringing more than $13.3 million in tax refunds into the community. Approximately $2.8 million of this total came from the Earned Income Credit.
- Eligibility: The service is valuable for low-income filers assisting them with earned income tax credits.
Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) VITA
Buffalo Public Schools offers VITA services at community school locations. Gellenia Smallwood, Director of Parent and Family Engagement with BPS, emphasized the goal of expanding "FREE non-predatory Tax Services right in our School Communities."
- Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, your household income must be at or less than $57,000.
- Appointment Process: Walk-ins are not accepted. You must call 211 or use the provided online link to schedule an appointment.
- Availability: Services are generally available during the tax season.
211 Western New York (211wny.org)
211wny.org serves as a central hub for scheduling free tax preparation appointments. They provide access to IRS-certified volunteers for in-person tax return preparation.
- Service Area: Western New York (WNY).
- Location: 155 Lawn Avenue, Room 113, Buffalo, NY 14207.
- Contact: 888-696-9211.
- Hours (Tax Season): Monday & Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (January 22 - April 14, 2025).
- Post-Season: Appointments for late filing and amended returns are available on the last Monday of each month from May through September 2025. Booking for these opens after April 8.
- Intake Process: Clients can call 211 or book online. A separate appointment is required for each tax year. If an email address is provided, the client will receive a 2025 intake form which must be completed before the return is started. Clients are asked to arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Tax Day Promotional Offers
On April 15, various national restaurant chains offer promotional deals. While specific "Buffalo-only" deals were not identified in the source material, the following national promotions are generally available at participating locations, including those in Buffalo.
Burger King
Burger King offers a deal for Royal Perks members. * Offer: A cheeseburger for 1 cent. * Requirements: Valid with any $1+ purchase. Available via the BK app or website. * Restrictions: Not valid during breakfast hours, on delivery, or in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings provides a Tax Day break for rewards members. * Offer: A free sandwich. * Requirements: Spend $15 anytime in April to qualify.
California Tortilla
California Tortilla offers a "cheesy break" for taxpayers. * Offer: Free small chips and queso. * Requirements: Valid with any purchase on April 15. Say "1040" in-store or use the code online.
Casey's
Casey's offers a "Pizza Refund" promotion. * Offer: A free large one-topping pizza. * Requirements: Rewards members who buy any large pizza will have the free pizza loaded into their account. * Redemption: Must be used by May 6.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers a size upgrade. * Offer: Free size upgrade on any drink. * Requirements: Pay the regular price for a large drink.
Checkers & Rally's
Checkers & Rally's offers a deal for rewards members. * Offer: Free small chips and queso or buffalo shrimp. * Price: $4.15. * Requirements: Must use the reward in the Hooters app at participating spots.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's offers a points-based promotion. * Offer: Double points. * Requirements: Valid on any purchase over $1 when using the Freddy's reward app.
Kolache Factory
Kolache Factory offers a beverage deal. * Offer: Free 12-ounce coffee. * Requirements: Valid with any purchase in-store on April 15.
Kona Ice
Kona Ice offers a cooling treat. * Offer: Free cup of shaved ice. * Requirements: Available at participating locations on Tax Day.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offers a deal on doughnuts. * Offer: A second dozen of original glazed doughnuts for just the price of sales tax. * Requirements: Must purchase any dozen doughnuts at regular price in-shop on April 15.
Benihana
Benihana offers a drink discount. * Offer: Signature cocktails for $10.40.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is hosting a sweepstakes. * Offer: 24 customers can win a comfort kit containing a robe, heated coffee mug, and a year's supply of Bob Evans products. * Entry: Visit the brand’s Instagram or Facebook pages. Follow the brand, like the giveaway post, and tag a friend with the hashtag #Sweepstakes.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
BJ’s offers a discount on meals. * Offer: $10 off any $40 purchase. * Code: "10OFF40". * Availability: Valid for dine-in and takeout orders on April 15.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen offers a savings opportunity for rewards members. * Offer: $10 off a purchase of $40. * Dates: Valid between April 14 and April 17. * Restrictions: Not valid in Hawaii.
Conclusion
Buffalo residents have access to significant resources during tax season. Verified VITA programs offered by the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, the University at Buffalo, and Buffalo Public Schools provide free, professional tax preparation to those earning $57,000 or less per household. These programs utilize IRS-certified volunteers to ensure accurate filing and maximize refunds through credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. Concurrently, national restaurant chains offer various promotional deals on April 15, providing modest financial relief through free food items and discounts.