Much more information on what a charity volunteer can deduct (including mileage rates) is now available at SeriousGivers.org at the “What can a charity volunteer deduct?” page. Go there for ongoing coverage (comments are closed on this page).
Answer: First, you can’t deduct the value of your time or services. If you volunteer for a Qualified Organization (QO), however, you can deduct on your income taxes:
- For the use of your car: actual costs of gas and oil to and from the QO location, or 14 cents per mile (it’s your choice) – plus tolls and parking, in either case.
- Other costs, if they are (i) unreimbursed, and (ii) directly connected with the services you gave, and (iii) incurred only because of the services you gave, and (iv) not personal, living or family expenses.
See IRS Publication 526. Be sure to keep good records.
Of course, you can only deduct these costs if you (a) file an income tax return and (b) itemize your deductions.
Hi,
My husband coached our son’s football for four seasons. The league is a non-profit, so we can deduct the mileage. How many miles can we deduct? From his work to the practice field is 38 miles. We live in between the two, about 20 miles from work and 10 miles from the fields. If he leaves from work to go to practice, without coming home, can he use the whole 38 miles, plus the 10 miles from the field to home?
The games can be 20 miles away. I’m assuming we can deduct the 40 miles (to and from) also?
Lee -
The first question is whether the league is a “qualified organization” — in other words, a charity. Not all non-profit organizations are charities.
Coaching Guy asked a similar question a while back — see our response to him at http://smartergivingguy.com/2009/12/2010-charity-volunteer-mileage-rate/comment-page-1/#comment-4064
Ed
I volunteer with a Search and Rescue unit, which is a qualified organization. I have purchased a good amount of gear beyond what I would have needed for my typical outdoor pursuits, using it only for SAR activities. Can such gear be deducted?
Related, early next year I will be getting a dog for training in K9 Search and Rescue. Can I deduct the cost of purchasing a dog from a breeder? What about on-going training, food and veterinary costs?
SAR volunteer -
Take a look at IRS Publication 526 — it has helpful information on this.
See the section on page 5, under the heading “Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Giving Services.” It explains that you may be able to deduct some amounts you pay in giving services to a qualified organization. The amounts must be:
• Unreimbursed,
• Directly connected with the services,
• Expenses you hand only because of the services you gave, and
• Not personal, living, or family expenses.
As to your particulars, be sure to check with your tax advisor.