Comments for The Smarter Giving Guy

Comment on Question: What Can a Volunteer Deduct? by SG Guy

SG Guy — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:39:29 +0000

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.

Comment on IRS announces 2011 charity volunteer mileage rate by SG Guy

SG Guy — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:48:51 +0000

JW - If the museum and theater play house are qualified organizations, she can deduct the 14 cents per mile, or her actual costs. Take a look at our What Can a Volunteer Deduct article on this topic. See also IRS Publication 526.

Comment on IRS announces 2010 charity volunteer mileage rate by SG Guy

SG Guy — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:38:28 +0000

Bates -
Sorry for the delay. We checked a bit and didn’t find a solid answer. We suggest you discuss this with your agency’s tax advisor — and see if there’s a minimum amount involved before a 1099 is required.

Comment on Question: What Can a Volunteer Deduct? by SAR volunteer

SAR volunteer — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:02:35 +0000

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?

Comment on IRS announces 2011 charity volunteer mileage rate by Jay Wendell

Jay Wendell — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:54:42 +0000

SGG

My mom donates a lot of her time as a learning guide and usher at our cities musuem of natural science and theater play house. I was wondering if the mileage that she drives to and from for voluteering is a deductable at the 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.
If not can any of her expenses be written off: gas, meals, clothes, etc.

Thank you,

Comment on IRS announces 2011 charity volunteer mileage rate by SG Guy

SG Guy — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:51:07 +0000

Mr Bane -
I am a bit confused by your question.
** The IRS allows an individual to deduct on the individual’s federal income tax return: 14 cents per mile driven in service of a charity. This applies whether the person is a member of the board of directors or any other type of volunteer for the charity.
** Your question asks about a “reimbursement” for mileage and says the reimbursements will be used as an in-kind donation to the charity. This sounds like a much too complicated set up.
** Would this work? You and the other directors and volunteers keep track of the mileage you drive providing your volunteer services to the charity. The charity doesn’t have to keep track of it, or pay you anything. Then, you deduct 14 cents per mile on your federal income tax return (assuming you itemize deductions).
** Note that you don’t have to use the 14 cents — you can base your deduction on specific actual costs as discussed in the final paragraph of the posting above.

Comment on IRS announces 2011 charity volunteer mileage rate by Donald Bane

Donald Bane — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:27:39 +0000

Does the term for reimbursement for mileage “driven in service of charitable organizations” apply for all members of the organization including board of directors? All positions are non pay volunteers in a 501 (c) (3) non profit corporation. Mileage is driven for conducting business for the charity; meetings, board meetings, filing with State and Federal agencies, banking, etc. The mileage reimbursements will be used as an in-kind donation to the charity. should that be at the $0.14 rate or $0.51 rate?

Comment on Question: What Can a Volunteer Deduct? by SG Guy

SG Guy — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:07:46 +0000

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

Comment on IRS announces 2010 charity volunteer mileage rate by Bates

Bates — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:47:07 +0000

Just for clarity…if our agency reimburses volunteers for their mileage at the business rate (currently 55 cents per mile), does the agency have to provide the volunteer a 1099 form because anything above the 14 cents per mile rate is taxable?

Comment on Question: What Can a Volunteer Deduct? by Lee

Lee — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:18:38 +0000

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?