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Level 1
March 24, 2025
Question

I bought a safety helmet for my volunteer firefighter work.

  • March 24, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 60 views
how do I report my expenses supporting the volunteer fire department

    2 replies

    Level 15
    March 24, 2025

    Out of pocket expenses for charity work are an itemized charitable deduction. 

    Alumni - Expert
    March 24, 2025

    You should likely report your expenses as charitable donation.  Expenses related to volunteer work, such as purchasing a safety helmet, are considered charitable contributions because they are made to support a qualified charitable organization (e.g., a volunteer fire department).

     

    To report your expenses for supporting the volunteer fire department in TurboTax, follow these steps:

    • Eligible Expenses: You can deduct out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your volunteer work, such as the cost of the safety helmet, uniforms, and supplies.
    • Qualified Organization: Ensure the fire department is a qualified charitable organization under IRS rules.
    • Itemize Deductions: You must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of your tax return.

    To enter your donations into TurboTax

    1. Open or continue your return. Be sure you are signed into TurboTax for the link in Step 2 to work.
    2. Go to donations to charitable organizations.
    3. Select the Yes button to answer the question: Did you make any donations to charity in 2024 ?
    4. If you have an account with ItsDeductible, select Yes to begin the process of importing your donation information; if you select No, continue to the next step.
    5. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish entering your donations