Travel costs for charitable work

[chesmitty]

I know that I can deduct travel expenses such as mileage and lodging when working for a charitable organization.  Can I also deduct expenses that we incur such as a petsitter since both my wife and I participated in the work?

[Bsch4477 · Accepted solution]

Although I know of no court case addressing this issue, I doubt the IRS would allow that deduction. 

[rosy1]

Can I deduct the air fare expenses?

[LenaH]

It depends. Job-related expenses for employees are no longer deductible on most people’s federal return in tax years 2018 through 2025 due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress passed and the President signed into law on December 22, 2017. 

Job-related expenses may also be deductible in your state. It is best to enter them on your return and TurboTax will determine if the expenses are deductible depending on your situation. 

Please see Where do I enter job-related employee expenses? (Form 2106) for instructions on how to input your expenses. 

Lastly, airfare would still be deductible if you are self-employed. If so, you would enter airfare expense on your Schedule C under Travel expense. 

@rosy1