Project SCOUT provides free tax assistance to seniors, individuals with a disability, low-income families and other individuals in Santa Cruz County. We also provide assistance with general tax questions. These programs are coordinated as either Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Discover if you qualify and access more information on these programs by visiting the Project SCOUT site here.

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Project SCOUT also helps seniors connect with the CalFresh Program, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP and formerly known as Food Stamps. This program assists low-income individuals and households with purchasing nutritional food by providing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) debit cards to qualifying applicants.

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Project SCOUT began operations in 1968 as an independent non-profit organization. Last year alone we helped residents receive tax refunds in excess of $1,918,000! Our team of volunteers assist the community with their tax-related needs during tax season, and we’re also available to help on a limited basis through the full year. Due to the high demand for Project SCOUT services, we unfortunately cannot accept walk-ins at this time.