If you travel while doing charity work, you may be able to deduct some of your travel costs. According to the IRS, here are five things you should know:
1. The charity must be an IRS-qualified tax-exempt organization.
2. You cannot deduct the value of your services, only unreimbursed travel expenses.
3. The deduction only qualifies when charity is the purpose of the trip, not recreation or vacation.
4. You must have real duties and responsibilities in order to deduct travel expenses.
5. Deductible travel expenses may include:
- Air, rail, and bus transportation
- Car expenses
- Lodging costs
- Meal costs
- Taxi fares or other transportation costs between the airport or station and your hotel