Frequently Asked Questions____     

What is CitizensMatch?

It’s a business to business barter trade exchange which saves businesses cash and expands eldercare

What are Citizen Dollars (C$)?

A C$ is a cashless currency, enabling business to business trading, that individuals can earn when they perform acts of good will within their communities- such as delivering a meal.

How are C$ supported?

Citizen Dollars are created by business to business trading. Trades are supported by Highland Valley Elder Services using state of the art secure online technology.

What are C$ worth?

A C$1 is worth $1 for all taxation and accountancy purposes. Members value their goods and services in C$ the same as they are worth in $

Are C$ taxable?

Yes.  Members must claim earned C$ as income on their tax returns.  1099B Tax forms are mailed at the end of the year to each individual and business that earns.  Sales tax is paid in cash upon the purchase of any item or service.  

Who is bartering these days? the Daily Hampshire Gazette carried this Letter to the Editor in response to an AP story on the use of barter in these cash-strapped times recently from our very own Liz Haire, The New York Times ran a story "The Cash-Strapped Turn to Barter" and, finally, from USA Today there is an Opinion piece by Ron Whitney, Executive Director of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, on how Modern Trade and Barter can aid economic recovery they're worth checking out! Ron spoke at the Hotel Northampton recently.

Read About Barter & History of Barter

Individual Earner’s Perspective

Where can I spend C$?

Please see the current list of businesses.  There are currently 25 businesses participating in the CitizensMatch program.  Individuals earning C$ can also browse through CM Seasonal catalog to find products purchasable with C$.  Suggestions on new businesses to pursue and enroll are always welcome!

Can I use C$ if I don’t have a computer?

Absolutely!  You can make purchases using your C$ Certificate or membership card at participating merchants. The CitizensMatch account manager will work with you to make any online purchases over the phone.  All transactions are brokered electronically by the CitizensMatch account manager.

Can I use C$ to pay my gas bill?  Oil bill?  Buy groceries?

We are always looking to enroll new businesses into the CitizensMatch program.  We currently do not have any businesses providing these services in the program.  We have materials available which you can use to aid us in enrolling new companies.

Business Earner’s Perspective

Why introduce C$?

The CitizensMatch program was developed in order to generate new funding to expand elder care. 

How does Highland Valley Elder Services benefit from C$?

Citizen Dollars allow Highland Valley Elder Services to expand and sustain such programs as the Caring Community Build and Home Delivered Meals programs and grant C$ to elders who need home care services not covered under their federal or state benefits.

How do I account for using Citizen Dollars?

Citizen Dollars are accounted for the same way that federal dollars are.  The Account Manager will send a 1099B form to your business at the end of the year.  If you are a business owner and you would like to speak with someone who is knowledgeable about this issue, please contact Highland Valley Elder Services and discuss the use of Citizen Dollars with our accountant. Your Accountant will find more detail on Citizen Dollar Accounting Procedures here.

Why is the enrollment fee of $395 currently waived?

We are currently growing the CitizensMatch program. Trading volume requires participation by 50-100 merchants..  By the time this volume of trading is reached, this enrollment fee will be instituted.since we’re confident that merchants will be sold on the value of the program for their business. 

Why would a cash fee be necessary in a cashless bartering system?

Although you are able to experience the benefit of trading goods and services without spending any cash on the CitizensMatch trading platform, the cost of running the system requires the use of cash.  These and other maintenance fees are typical elements of sustaining commercial barter trading systems. Cash fees are not currently being levied until trading reaches a larger volume.

Is there a transaction fee?

Yes.  A transaction fee of 7.5% in trade supports the CitizensMatch program and is charged to both the purchaser and the seller.  Such fees, along with the enrollment fee, are deductible as business expenses. 

I’m concerned about accepting Citizen Dollars when there are only twenty five businesses on the platform.  Can I wait to join until more people accept Citizen Dollars?

As with anything, the program will only be successful when there are a variety of businesses trading with Citizen Dollars.  In order for the program to reach its critical number of memberships, we ask that business owners take this risk-free opportunity and join the platform.  The result will be more and more businesses for you to trade with!  It's a 'if you don't, who will?' opportunity for early adapters! Be one!

How is CitizensMatch different from Valley Dollars,BerkShares, and Time Bank credits?

CitizensMatch differs greatly from Valley Dollars because Citizen Dollars are backed by the commitments of members to trade them and our Broker works with businesses to spend the Citizen Dollars they earn. 

CitizensMatch also gives businesses the opportunity to spend their Citizen Dollars on advertising in a widely read magazine, Life Grows On.  

CitizensMatch differs from BerkShares in that our member businesses do not sell their goods and services at a discounted rate when they accept Citizen Dollars.  One Citizen Dollar is equal to one U.S. Dollar.

Time Bank credits are not a currency and are used for the exchange of services measured in one hour of service regardless what type of service.

Can a CitizensMatch member withdraw from the program?

Yes, a member can withdraw at any time as long as any debt is settled. 

Can C$ be donated back to the care system?

Yes. Because of the fact that Highland Valley Elder Services is a nonprofit organization, CitizensMatch member businesses may donate their Citizen Dollars and claim applicable charitable tax deductions. 

What is the guarantee that a business will not get stuck with Citizen Dollars?

The CitizensMatch Account Manager serves as a Broker and works with businesses to spend their Citizen Dollars.