An individual traveled to South America as part of a church group to work in rural orphanages and help in some local schools. All personal expenses were paid by the individual. Are these expenses - airfare, lodging, food - deductible as charitable contributions?
It depends on the specific circumstances (why you went, how it's related to the goals of the church, etc.), but those expenses could well be deductible. The Tax Court has held that evangelists for the Mormon Church can deduct their travel expenses for evangelizing.
Stu
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