Now that tax time is upon us, be aware that there are a number of deductions you may be eligible for if you do volunteer work for your church or other organization.
Valerie RumboughIf you are a chosen representative attending a convention of a qualified organization such as your church, or if you participate in a mission trip sponsored by your church or other charitable organization, you can deduct unreimbursed expenses for travel, and a reasonable amount for meals and lodging. However, the travel expenses are only deductible if there is no significant element of personal pleasure or vacation in the travel. For example, if you are on a one-week mission trip and one day is used to go sight-seeing, then the personal part if the trip is not significant. However, the expenses you incur on that personal day may not be deductible.
When traveling for the organization to attend a meeting or perform other duties, you may either deduct the actual unreimbursed expenses that are directly related to the trip, such as gas and oil, or you may simply use the standard mileage rate of 14 cents per mile. Be sure, however, to keep reliable records of all of your trips.
If you are an ordained deacon, you may also deduct the cost of books and other supplies that are necessary to carry out your duties. If you want to know more about the deductions available to you in this regard, see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. You will find more information about the items discussed above, plus a lot more, as well as examples to help you know if something is deductible or not. This is one time when God uses the IRS to bless us!
– Rumbough, CPA, CFP, is chief operations officer with the Baptist Foundation of South Carolina. Contact her at 800-723-7242. In accordance with IRS Circular 230, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.