You can't take a tax deduction until your group is registered as an exempt organization. (Unless you are a branch/church plant of a denomination that already has a blanket exemption.) Donations made after the exemption is granted can be deducted on your personal income tax as long as they become the permanent property of the organization even if you left. It is good practice, but not absolutely required, to have a second person sign off on the donation. See this for rules on substantiating donations. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/substantiating-charitable-contributions">https://www.irs.g...>
Likewise, you can be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses if they are properly substantiated. Having a second person sign off is good practice but not absolutely required. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-compensation-of-officers">https://www...>
See here to apply for exempt status
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/applying-for-tax-exempt-status">https://www.irs.gov/charit...>
