Regarding Appointments
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Thank you for your interest in tax preparation with Project SCOUT.
We are not taking any more clients for tax season ending APRIL 15th, 2025. If you don’t owe money to IRS or Franchise Tax Board you have 3 years to file! Please call us back in May for further assistance.
If you owe money this year or you think you will owe you must make payment by April 15th to avoid late fees and penalties.
IRS Downloadable form:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf
IRS Extension payment link:
https://directpay.irs.gov/directpay/payment?execution=e1s1
FTB Downloadable form:
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2024/2024-3519.pdf
FTB Extension payment link:
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/pay/payment-options.html
If you wish to do your taxes on your own and make $84,000.00 or less, Project SCOUT provides facilitated self-assistance: http://tinyurl.com/SCOUTFSA
If you need help with the process, please email scoutfsa@gmail.com
Regards,
Project SCOUT
831-724-2606
projectscout@seniorscouncil.org
“Facilitated Self-Assistance”
If you want to do your own taxes for free, Project SCOUT offers a “Facilitated Self-Assistance” (FSA) option for those with income of $84,000.00 or less. FSA is for current year tax returns ONLY. There are no restrictions on State filings or on any forms. Link is here:
http://tinyurl.com/SCOUTFSA
Volunteers will be available to help with questions as you use the FSA option.
If you need help with or throughout the process, please:
Call: 831-724-2606
Email: projectscout@seniorscouncil.org
For all you give, it’s time to get something back. Make sure you claim your CalEITC and YCTC credits and get the maximum possible refund!
- If you qualify for the CalEITC and have children under 6 years old, you may claim the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) of up to $1,154. Read about the YCTC here.
- You can also file your taxes for free with IRS-trained tax experts. Get help with filing your taxes here.
- Have other questions? Check out all the helpful resources on our website, available in English, Spanish, and 11 other languages.
Overview
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). For more information on these programs please visit the IRS’s information page here.
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.
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. Please check the calendar below to schedule your appointment in advance.
Program Goals
The program seeks to:
- Assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families with tax preparation
- Connect eligible residents to CalFresh resources for nutrition support
- Coordinate and educate volunteers
- Develop stronger communities
The Facts
- We helped prepare over 1,845 returns in 2024
- Federal refunds 2024: $1,444,204.00
- State refunds 2024: $333,630.00
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claimed 2024: $402,190.00
Total money back in the wallets of our clients (including avg. return cost of $240):
$2,622,824.00!
Services & Supports
Project SCOUT volunteers offer income tax assistance and help with tax-related questions for Santa Cruz and San Benito County low-income families and individuals with simple returns and reportable income of $67,000.00 and below.
Project SCOUT volunteers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board to assist the community with basic free tax preparation. For disabled individuals unable to get to our tax sites, we offer online assistance and drop-off services. Donations are gladly accepted.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment or request more information, please contact us:
Partner Organizations
