Deduct coaching equipment purchased as a volunteer coach?

I am a volunteer coach and referee for 2 American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) soccer teams, as well as board member. Each season I need to purchase supplies for the team (e.g. first aid kit/supplies, balls) and am not reimbursed for the purchases. Can I claim the equipment as a deduction on my taxes?

Deductions & credits

Yes, you can deduct all of your out of pocket expenses as cash contributions as well as 14 cents per mile for travelling by auto in the service of your qualified volunteer organization.

See IRS Qualified Charity List

To report volunteer expenses in TurboTax:

To enter volunteer contributions:

  • Type in charitable contributions. in the search box, top right of your screen, then click the magnifying glass

  • Click the jump to charitable contributions link in the search results.

  • Follow the prompts and onscreen instructions to enter

     To benefit from the above, you must itemize your deductions.

    Unless you have enough itemized deductions (ie. Medical mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable giving, ect) to exceed your Standard Deduction, you will not be able to benefit from this expense.