Project Scout
Project SCOUT (Senior Citizen OUTreach), is a program of the Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and Benito Counties. We provide free tax assistance to the elderly, disabled and low-income population of Santa Cruz County, as well as assistance filling out applications for the Homeowner/Renter Assistance Program and the Property Tax Postponement Program.
Project SCOUT’s office is located at the Watsonville Senior Center,114 E. 5th Street Watsonville, CA 95076. Our phone number in Watsonville is 831-724-2606 or toll-free at
1-877-373-8297
Project SCOUT I began in 1968 as a private non-profit organization. We have a corps of volunteers from the local community. We are open to the public year round.
Income Tax Assistance
Project SCOUT offers Volunteer income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to residence of Santa Cruz County during tax seasons at sites throughout Santa Cruz County. Our volunteers are trained by Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board personnel to assist senior, blind, disabled and low income persons prepare their tax returns. For disabled individuals unable to get to the tax sites, we have trained volunteers who can do in-home tax preparation. We also have help available on an appointment basis after the tax season is over for people who did not file during the tax season.
Homeowner/Renter Assistance
The Homeowner/Renter Assistance Program is a program through the California Franchise Tax Board. Franchise Tax Board personnel train our volunteers to assist low-income senior, blind or disabled people file for this refund. During July and August we have volunteers at senior centers throughout Santa Cruz County. For disabled individuals unable to get to the sites, we have trained volunteers who can do in-home applications.
Property Tax Postponement
The California State Controller’s Office offers a property tax postponement program to low-income seniors, blind or disabled persons. Project SCOUT volunteers are available to help fill out the applications for this program.
There are no charges for any of the tax assistance programs. In-home services are also available.
