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Deductions for volunteer work

Print Posted by Jill Boynton January 6, 2010 10:40 AM

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Volunteering your time for charitable work is a worthwhile and commendable effort. But don't overlook some tax advantages too.

While your time spent working on behalf of a charitable organization is not tax-deductible, your travel expenses are. On your 2009 tax return you may deduct the miles you spent driving to and fro, or on behalf of, your volunteer duties at 14 cents per mile. This rate stays the same for 2010. Keep a log of your mileage as proof for the IRS. You can do this by keeping a mileage log in your car (available at Staples for a couple of bucks) or jot it down on your calendar after every trip.

In addition to mileage, uniforms necessary solely for your volunteer job, and meals and lodging are deductible (if the majority of the trip was spent on the volunteer effort - expenses for personal vacation or recreation, while part of the trip, are not deductible.)

The organization for which you volunteer must be a religious organization, federal, state or local government, non-profit organization, public park or recreation facility or public charity. War veterans' groups qualify too. More information is available in IRS Publication 526.

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