topic Volunteering expenses in Self employed

Volunteering expenses

Gagljo — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:06:13 GMT

I volunteer (as a swimming official) and incur some significant expenses (air travel, meals, lodging, local mileage, etc.). I often spend over 500 hours annually on decks and helping to train newer officials. Rarely am I reimbursed (if I get anything, it's often a Starbucks gift card). Can I get any credit for spending both time and money for this volunteer work when doing my taxes? And, if so, how do I record this?

Re: Volunteering expenses

AmyC — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:54:36 GMT

Only charity work can be deducted if you are itemizing. You did not mention charity work. Only work with certified charities counts as volunteering. Otherwise, you have a hobby and social life. See Charities and Their Volunteers.

Re: Volunteering expenses

maglib — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:23:10 GMT

@Gagljo all your costs you incur that are not reimbursed are considered cash donations to the charity if they are a recognized charity by the IRS. You also can get credit for the miles driven. Make sure to keep copious notes, receipts, etc and have letters from the charity acknowledging your donations. I would also notify the charity of your expenses incurred so they are documented. You can't infer any salary though so time is not reimbursable. You can even claim 50% of meals cost while away from home as cash donations.

Each entity is considered separately. Thank you for donating your time.

You will only get the benefit of charitable deductions though if you meet the threshold to itemize deductions.