Is it possible for me to deduct expenses for supplies I purchased for mission trip activities (we were conducting a VBS) I went on in December 2017. Thanks!

[JohnW15]

Yes, you can deduct these expenses as charitable contributions when you itemize deduction on Schedule A of Form 1040, as long as you were performing services for a charitable organization like a church.

Generally, you can claim a charitable contribution for travel expenses incurred while you are away from home performing services for a charitable organization. However, you cannot have any significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel.

You can take a charitable contribution deduction for your travel expenses if you are on duty in a genuine and substantial sense throughout the trip. However, if you have only nominal duties, or if for significant parts of the trip you don't have any duties, you can't deduct your travel expenses.

You can deduct your contributions only if you make them to a qualified organization. Most organizations other than churches and governments must apply to the IRS to become a qualified organization.

For more information, see “Contributions” on page 162 of IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.