Travel While Giving to Charity – Tax Tips Fresh Start Tax LLC

July 16, 2014
Written by: Fresh Start Tax

 

Tips on Travel While Giving to Charity

Here are  tax tips you should know if you travel while giving your services to charity.

1. You can’t deduct the value of your services that you give to charity.

But you may be able to deduct some out-of-pocket costs you pay to give your services. This can include the cost of travel.

All out-of pocket costs must be:

• unreimbursed,

• directly connected with the services,

• expenses you had only because of the services you gave, and

• not personal, living or family expenses.

2. Your volunteer work must be for a qualified charity.

Most groups other than churches and governments must apply to the IRS to become qualified. Ask the group about its IRS status before you donate. You can also use the Select Check tool on IRS.gov to check the group’s status.

3. Some types of travel do not qualify for a tax deduction.

For example, you can’t deduct your costs if a significant part of the trip involves recreation or a vacation. For more on these rules see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.

4. You can deduct your travel expenses if your work is real and substantial throughout the trip. You can’t deduct expenses if you only have nominal duties or do not have any duties for significant parts of the trip.

5. Deductible travel expenses may include:

• air, rail and bus transportation,

• car expenses,

• lodging costs,

• the cost of meals, and

• taxi or other transportation costs between the airport or station and your hotel.

 

 Travel While Giving to Charity – Tax Tips  Fresh Start Tax LLC

Filed Under: Tax Help
Tags:

FREE

Consultation

No Obligation
We are here to help!

  • Should be Empty:
“Thanks to Fresh Start, I am feeling more and more confident about finally getting caught up after all these years.”
M. Johnson

“I will certainly refer anyone I come across who needs your services for sure.”
Jody and Don

“I cannot thank you enough for handling my IRS issues. After dealing with another office who did nothing, you guys did everything that you promised. Thanks again, especially Steve Jacob for guiding me every step of the way.”
Jerry H.