topic My wife just started volunteering as a teacher for 2 home schools where our grandchildren attend. Are things like her travel, teaching materials, etc. tax deductible? in Deductions & credits

My wife just started volunteering as a teacher for 2 home schools where our grandchildren attend. Are things like her travel, teaching materials, etc. tax deductible?

panc1990 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:31:46 GMT

What documentation is needed to verify she is volunteering?

Re: My wife just started volunteering as a teacher for 2 home schools where our grandchildren attend. Are things like her travel, teaching materials, etc. tax deductible?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:42:31 GMT

Expenses for volunteer work for a recognized charity are sometimes deductible as a charity donation. Calling volunteer work for a "home school" a charity donation would be a big stretch. Sounds more like your spouse is just being a great grandma who has some personal expenses and is giving her time and some things to the grandkids.

Re: My wife just started volunteering as a teacher for 2 home schools where our grandchildren att...

MayaD — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:54:34 GMT

Generally, you can only deduct charitable contributions if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions.

If she did voluntary work through a qualified organization, you could deduct mileage to and from the job site as well as any unreimbursed supplies you purchased to carry out the work. However, you wouldn't be able to deduct the value of your time or expertise, nor could you deduct your meals or the cost of a babysitter (those are living/family expenses).

To enter eligible expenses related to voluntary charity work, follow the same directions for entering charitable donations.

How do I enter my 2023 charitable donations in TurboTax?

Per IRS: You can deduct as a charitable contribution any unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of gas and oil, directly related to the use of your car in giving services to a charitable organization. You can't deduct general repair and maintenance expenses, depreciation, registration fees, or the costs of tires or insurance. If you don't want to deduct your actual expenses, you can use a standard mileage rate of 14 cents a mile to figure your contribution. You can deduct parking fees and tolls whether you use your actual expenses or the standard mileage rate. You must keep reliable written records of your car expenses. For more information, see IRS.gov