Remind Nonprofit Volunteers About Tax Deductions for Expenses

Your nonprofit volunteers can deduct certain volunteer expenses on their tax returns -- make sure they know it.

By , J.D. · University of Washington School of Law

Savvy nonprofits know that a good strategy in fundraising is to remind potential donors about tax deductions for their donations (at least for those who itemize deductions on their taxes instead of taking the federal standard deduction). But did you know that your volunteers—people who donate time rather than money—might qualify for certain tax deductions as well? Your nonprofit should make it a regular habit to remind volunteers—perhaps board or advisory council members, other regular volunteers, or those who assist at special events—about these possible deductions.

It's true that the deductions available to volunteers might not add up to big dollars, since there's no deduction for the actual hours they put in. Even highly skilled volunteers, such as graphic designers or lawyers, can't deduct the value of their time.

But volunteers will likely appreciate your efforts to help them get some dollar return for other expenses they pay in order to volunteer, as described below. And by reminding volunteers that the IRS recognizes their role, you'll also remind them that this isn't a casual commitment, and perhaps further inspire them to come back next week (or next meeting).

Expenses Your Volunteers Can Deduct

Here's what the IRS will allow volunteers at nonprofits to deduct from their taxable income:

Car and transportation expenses. Volunteers can deduct car and transportation expenses incurred to get back and forth from home to your office, or to meetings or other sites (such as a special event, to deliver food to a homebound patient, or to go to an animal rescue site).

Volunteers who drive can choose between deducting actual gas and oil used, or else take a mileage deduction at the rate of 14 cents per mile. Given the high cost of gasoline today, most volunteers are better off keeping track of actual driving expenses. Volunteers can also add in parking fees and tolls. However, volunteers cannot claim general car repair and maintenance expenses, depreciation, registration fees, or the costs of tires or insurance.

Those volunteers taking public transportation can deduct subway, bus, or taxi fare.

Travel expenses. The volunteer can deduct travel expenses relevant to volunteering in service of your nonprofit away from home, such as airfare and other transport, accommodations, and meals. This might include trips to attend a convention or board meeting, taking kids from families below poverty line on a camping trip, or monitoring environmental destruction.

However, there are important limitations: The volunteer cannot gain significant personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation from the travel. And the volunteer must really be working -- tagging along on an outing while performing nominal duties, or even no duties for significant parts of the trip, won't cut it.

Other out-of-pocket expenses. Volunteers may deduct other expenses they incur during the course of their volunteer work. For example, board members might deduct unreimbursed phone, postage, and copying charges associated with preparing for meetings. Volunteers at an animal shelter can deduct the treats they're asked to provide in order to help train dogs during walks. Sunday school teachers can deduct art supplies they bring in.

Uniforms. If you ask volunteers to purchase a uniform—for example, an apron identifying them as a hospital helper—they can deduct both the purchase price and any upkeep costs. However, the uniform must not be suitable for everyday use (providing a T-shirt with a logo or asking your theatre ushers to always wear black won't be enough). Also, your organization must require the volunteers to wear the uniforms while performing services.

Limits on Deductions for Volunteering for a Nonprofit

The following limitations apply to these deductions:

  • Your organization must be a qualified, IRS-recognized charity.
  • In order to take these deductions, volunteers must itemize deductions on their tax return. (Those who fill out a 1040EZ won't get any benefit.) For most taxpayers except those with high incomes, taking the standard deduction is more advantageous.
  • Volunteers cannot double-dip by claiming expenses for which the nonprofit already reimbursed them.
  • The expenses must be directly related to the volunteers' work, and incurred only because of that work.
  • The expenses can't be personal, for family, or for living items or activities (such as meals for children while they accompany the volunteer to a convention).
  • Volunteers must keep reliable written records of expenses.

Don't Give Tax Advice to Your Nonprofit's Volunteers

Although you should alert your organization's volunteers to these potential tax deductions, don't get into the business of giving personalized tax advice. Instead, suggest that volunteers talk to a tax professional, use a tax preparation software program, or read IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (at www.irs.gov, click on publications). To learn more about strategies for incorporating volunteer help into your nonprofit's fundraising and other efforts, read Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real-World Strategies That Work, by Ilona Bray (Nolo).

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Business Law attorney.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please enter a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please enter a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Please enter a valid Case Description
Description is required

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you