I volunteer for the MSPCA. I have my time sheet for last year. I was there 78 days for several hundred hours. As I understand it, I cannot deduct anything for my time, true?
I know that I can deduct .14/mile for travel. I also bring food and toys for the animals every time I go. Would that be deductible even though it's not something I have to do but something I want to do? I don't have receipts.
Is there anything else that would be deductible for this kind of work?
Thank you.
Jane
While the MSPCA site makes no reference to 503b charity status, they show that donations are tax deductible. So long as you keep a contemporaneous log documenting the miles/days you can take the .14/mi deduction provided you itemize on your return.
You can't take a deduction for the food/toys unless they give you a receipt. The IRS is fussy about donations, even cash donations require receipt, one's canceled check isn't enough any longer.
Joe
True
Out of pocket cash expenses are deductible. A receipt will be needed. A letter from the charity thanking you for driving those miles and incurring those other costs should be obtained.
And is required if your out-of-pocket expenses for the year total more than $250.00 (per the Tax Court - TC Memo 2003-232).
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