Can you deduct volunteer service on your taxes?

Many people wonder if their volunteer time at a charity completing professional tasks can be deducted on their taxes. You cannot deduct the value of services rendered in volunteer service to a nonprofit. You can, however, deduct the expenses you incurred while volunteering or traveling to and from the volunteer assignment.

• Gas mileage (at the rate of $.14/mile), public transportation costs, and airfare or train travel to farther volunteer destinations or conferences can all be deducted. Meals and lodging for longer distance volunteer assignments may also be deducted.
• If you’re required to wear certain type of shoes or outfit, the purchase of those items may be deducted.
• Out of pocket expenses (ie. books, materials, copies, supplies, etc.) can also be deducted as charitable contributions.
• Save your receipts and ask the charity to verify the expenses as an in-kind donation if the total adds up to $250 or more for the year, otherwise you're able to claim in-kind donations up to $250 as a tax deduction.

Example 1 - The Artist:

An artist who paints a mural on the wall of her local local Boys & Girls Club can deduct the cost of paint, paint brushes, and other supplies needed to complete the mural. She can also deduct the gas mileage it took to get to and from the charity to complete the volunteer service. She cannot deduct for the time it spent her. 

Example 2 - The Nurse:

A Red Cross volunteer who is a Registered Nurse travels to Florida to help with hurricane disaster relief recovery. He can save the receipts for his airfare, lodging, and meals while on assignment. He cannot calculate the hours he spent working as a nurse for Red Cross and deduct the pay he would have been paid in his workplace.

Always consult with your tax advisor to be certain.