Home / Tax Corner — Volunteering & Tax Benefits: Giving Back This Holiday Season

Tax Corner — Volunteering & Tax Benefits: Giving Back This Holiday Season

December 23, 2025 | Weekly Commentary

The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to your community, and volunteering can offer meaningful benefits beyond the joy of helping others. While the value of your time is not deductible, your volunteer efforts can still offer tax advantages.

  1. Deductible Out-of-Pocket Expenses

You may deduct unreimbursed expenses directly related to your volunteer work, such as:

  • Mileage: The 2025 IRS standard mileage rate for charitable driving is estimated at 14 cents per mile. This applies to trips to and from volunteer locations
  • Supplies: Costs for materials, like craft supplies for charity projects or food for a nonprofit event
  • Uniforms or Equipment: Specialized clothing that is not suitable for everyday use or safety equipment required by the charitable organization

2. Recordkeeping Is Essential

To claim deductions, detailed documentation is essential:

  • Retain receipts for all expenses, clearly noting the charitable organization and purpose of the expense
  • Keep track of charitable mileage. Be sure to include the dates, destinations, the organization, and purpose.
  • Obtain acknowledgment letters from the charity confirming your volunteer expenses

3. Non-Financial Benefits

While taxes are one consideration, don’t forget the personal rewards of volunteering:

  • Strengthening your community and supporting causes important to you
  • Modeling generosity for your family
  • Expanding personal and professional networks through shared experiences

Consider participating in a volunteer activity this holiday season and track any out-of-pocket expenses. Even small contributions can make a difference -for both your community and your tax planning.