Can I deduct allowance I paid to my little BBBS sister?

[vs3]

I have a little sister through the Big Brother Big Sister program. I know that I can deduct money spent on mileage, movie tickets, gifts I buy for her. I wanted her to learn to manage money and decide if she wants to save or buy something and have been paying her an allowance. Can I deduct the amount I paid her? I feel it is similar to me buying her a gift, but wanted to make sure.

[xmasbaby0]

No, you cannot deduct money you spent on gifts for individuals.  If your sister received money from the Big Sister program that is not deductible for you.

[vs3]

I can deduct money I spent on my little. It is written on the BBBS website. Costs of meals, movie tickets, museum admissions, mileage, etc. I just wanted to verify that allowance also applies, since I gave it directly to her.

[Zbucklyo]

No, you may not deduct a gift to an individual.

[vs3]

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.bbbsba.org/site/c.7oJLLSPpFfJWG/b.9385177/k.32D9/Tax_Deductions_Available_for_Bigs.htm">h...>

[Zbucklyo]

And nowhere does that indicate you can deduct cash gifts to an individual.

[vs3]

You commented that I can't deduct a gift to an individual, which I can. You obviously shouldn't answer questions here. Now you changed it to cash gifts. I will ask a CPA.

[xmasbaby0]

Gifts to organized charities are deductible.  Gifts of any kind to individuals are not deductible.  it is very nice that you are helping your "little sister."  But any money you are giving directly to her is not deductible.  Sorry.