Organization Mission

Project SCOUT organizes volunteers to provide free tax assistance and answer general tax questions to seniors, individuals with a disability, and low-income families and individuals in Santa Cruz County.

The Big Idea 2022:
Let's get Santa Cruz County residents the money they deserve!

Now that we have put more than $2 million of refunds in the wallets of those most in need in the County, we want to reach out to those who could benefit most from filing a tax return and often do not. The refunds get reinvested in our county because most of our clients are low income and will buy groceries, school supplies, and make vehicle repairs.

It could be seniors who may qualify for the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or high schoolers working to help parents make ends meet who are not aware that by filing taxes they can get money back. Your support would provide:

1. Outreach for those who may not be aware they should file taxes.
2. More volunteer tax-preparation sites and more online, virtual options to increase the numbers we can help.

Project SCOUT, thank you so much for your help with my taxes. This has been a very challenging year, you folks are wonderful! Sincerely…

Estelle D. City of Santa Cruz, senior