Volunteer Expenses — Are They Deductible?

Jan 09, 2015

Donating money isn’t the only way to help out an organization whose cause is important to you. Volunteering your time and expertise can be valuable to the charity and rewarding for you. And, as a bonus, you may be able to deduct some of your out-of-pocket expenses on your income tax return.

What’s Deductible

If you use your car while performing services for the charity, you can deduct gas, oil, and other unreimbursed auto expenses or take the standard charitable mileage deduction (14 cents per mile). If you travel out of town on the charity’s behalf, your travel, lodging, and meal costs may be deductible. The cost of uniforms worn while volunteering is also deductible as long as the uniforms aren’t suitable for everyday use.

What’s Not

You can’t deduct your time or the value of any services you perform. And it goes without saying that you can’t deduct expenses that have been reimbursed by the organization.

You must itemize your deductions to claim a deduction for charitable contributions.

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