Deductions for Cultural Exchanges?

ursulawright · ‎June 5, 2019

In November 2016, I participated in a people to people exchange to Cuba. Some of the folks I traveled with believe the cost of our trip can be deducted, but I can't find anything on TurboTax to confirm or deny. Please advise.

RichardG · ‎June 5, 2019

According to the IRS, "Generally, you can claim a charitable contribution deduction for travel expenses necessarily incurred while you are away from home performing services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure." These are typically missionary trips or similar trips to perform work for a qualified charity. A cultural exchange program does not appear to meet this requirement.

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RichardG · ‎June 5, 2019

According to the IRS, "Generally, you can claim a charitable contribution deduction for travel expenses necessarily incurred while you are away from home performing services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure." These are typically missionary trips or similar trips to perform work for a qualified charity. A cultural exchange program does not appear to meet this requirement.