Information provided by County of San Benito.
Correction: This release previously stated free tax preparation was available to people in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Free tax prep through Project SCOUT is only available for individuals and families in Santa Cruz County.
The Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties is offering free tax preparation to area seniors through Project SCOUT (Senior Citizen OUTreach). The free tax prep is only available to individuals and families in Santa Cruz County.
Project SCOUT provides free tax assistance to seniors, individuals with a disability, low-income families and individuals in Santa Cruz County. Project SCOUT also assists with general tax questions. Project SCOUT began its operations in 1968 as an independent nonprofit organization. According to a recent release, they have a corps of volunteers who assist the community with their tax-related needs during tax season, and are also available to help on a limited basis through the full year.
Seniors are asked to request assistance by emailing: projectscoutoffice@
In the “subject line” include: Full name, city lived in, and if 60 years and older. In the “body,” write a brief description of what needs to be done with taxes and income level. If qualified for free service, one of the IRS Certificated Volunteers will reach out for contact.
If email is not an option, call: (831) 724-2606.
In the message, please leave full name, age, and city or area you are calling from, and also say what income you had in 2020.
For an appointment, individuals will need to download, print and fill out the following forms:
Complete forms thoroughly and have ready for virtual or drop-off help.