Can mileage, meals and hotels be deducted as a volunteer coach for a sport organization?

[paula-e-lauer]

I am a volunteer coach for a hockey travel team that my son participates in. I drive my car to games and weekly practices. We pay for gas, the hotels stays, and meals, and I use my own personal equipment. The organization provides my uniform. I travel with the team even if my son is not in attendance. Are any of my expenses deductible? (mileage, meals, hotels, or anything else)

[MindyB]

It depends.  Is the organization a qualified charity under Section 501(c)(3)?  If so, you could potentially deduct your expenses as a charitable contribution to the team (organization) if you itemize your deductions.

Per the IRS, "the types of expenses that you may be able to
deduct include:

• air, rail and bus transportation,
• car expenses,
• lodging costs,
• cost of meals, and
• taxi or other transportation costs between the airport or station and your
  hotel.

You can deduct other out-of-pocket expenses as well. According to IRS Publication 526, to qualify for a deduction, the expenses 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." Bringing items from home to let the team "borrow" wouldn't qualify, but if you bought equipment specifically for the team, that would be deductible. 

Here is some additional information you may find helpful: Tax Tips for Coaches