Can I Claim A Deduction For Charity Volunteer Work?

If you do volunteer work for a qualified organization, the following questions and answers may apply to you.

Question:
I do volunteer work 6 hours a week in the office of a qualified organization. The receptionist is paid $6 an hour to do the same work I do. Can I deduct $36 a week for my time?

Answer:
No, you cannot deduct the value of your time or services.

Question:
The office is 30 miles from my home. Can I deduct any of my car expenses for these trips?

Answer:
Yes, you can deduct the costs of gas and oil that are directly related to getting to the qualified organization where you are a volunteer. If you don’t want to figure your actual costs, you can deduct 14 cents for each mile.

Question:
I volunteer as a Red Cross nurse’s aide at a hospital. Can I deduct the cost of uniforms that I must wear?

Answer:
Yes, you can deduct the cost of buying and cleaning your uniforms if the hospital is a qualified organization, the uniforms are not suitable for everyday use, and you must wear them when volunteering.

Question:
I pay a babysitter to watch my children while I do volunteer work for a qualified organization. Can I deduct these costs?

Answer:
No, you cannot deduct payments for child care expenses as a charitable contribution, even if they are necessary so you can do volunteer work for a qualified organization.