Comments on: Is volunteering tax-deductible?

Question: Is volunteering tax-deductible?

phaedrus441 — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 19:32:59 -0800

[Tax Filter] Can you deduct anything related to doing volunteer work? For example, can you deduct gas money while driving for volunteer work or can you deduct the cost of an international aid trip that you go on? Does anything like that count?

By: elisabeth r

elisabeth r — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 20:12:22 -0800

Had you googled the question "Is volunteering tax-deductible," you would have found that the answer is yes. Happy deducting!

By: gwenzel

gwenzel — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 21:11:54 -0800

You don't mention where you live, which is obviously going to have an impact on how your taxes are calculated...

By: MLIS

MLIS — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 00:01:09 -0800

Until a CPA or tax lawyer shows up. . .

As a volunteer firefighter I am able to deduct the mileage I put on my personal vehicle while responding to and from calls and training.

An accountant advised me to maintain a log in a composition book that shows the date/time/miles driven for each call and training session.

This link from the IRS indicates that there is a deduction for use of a personal vehicle in "service of charitable organizations". You should seek advice from a professional about whether your volunteer work qualifies.

By: nebulawindphone

nebulawindphone — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 05:26:38 -0800

Actually, you can ask the people you volunteer for whether they're a qualified charity. They're almost sure to know.

If they don't, just ask, "Are donations here tax-deductible?" They're sure to know that. If a gift of money or goods is deductible, then so is your "gift" of gasoline.

By: onhazier

onhazier — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 09:02:56 -0800

The out of pocket expenses associated with your volunteering are tax deductible. The contribution of your services are generally not tax deductible.

By: Pressed Rat

Pressed Rat — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:02:18 -0800

IIRC, you can only deduct gas mileage to the location where you are doing vounteer work, not both ways.