Are mileage and other incurred expenses, i.e., hotel, food, tax deductible if I volunteered for the National Park Service? I traveled from Washington state to Arizona.

[homeofcarol]

I volunteered for the National Park Service June - Aug. 2025. I traveled from Washington State to Arizona. I was not paid a stipend nor did I have any out of pocket expenses reimbursed to me.

[DoninGA]

The National Park Service is Not a 501(c)(3) organization so your expenses are not a charitable deduction.

[homeofcarol]

The National Park Service is part of the National Park Foundation which is a 501c3. So are my expenses like mileage deductible? 

[ThomasM125]

According to this from the National Park Service, donations to the organization are tax-deductible. As such, you can deduct necessary expenses and mileage associated with your volunteer work. You need to keep good records to substantiate the deduction. Deductions are only allowed to the extent the primary purpose of your work was for philanthropic as opposed to personal purposes. The deductions are itemized deductions and as such they will only benefit you if you have enough itemized deductions to surpass your standard deduction of $15,750 (single filer) or $31,500 (married-filing joint) for most taxpayers in 2025.

[homeofcarol]

Thank you.  I'm unsure if I can deduct food that I purchased i.e., at Safeway, Walmart or can I only deduct meals? The National Park Service provided me housing while I was there for three months but no stipend. I do itemize my deductions. Thank you. 

[JamesG1]

IRS Publication 526, page 7, states:

Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Giving Services 

Although you cannot deduct the value of your services given to a qualified organization, you may be able to deduct some amounts you pay in giving services to a qualified organization. The amounts must be: 

• Unreimbursed; 
• Directly connected with the services; 
• Expenses you had only because of the services you gave; and 
• Not personal, living, or family expenses. 

Page 10 clarifies the matter.  It states:

Personal Expenses 

You cannot deduct personal, living, or family expenses, such as the following items. 

• The cost of meals you eat while you perform services for a qualified organization, unless it is necessary for you to be away from home overnight while performing the services.

@homeofcarol