Volunteer work tax deduction FAQ
Volunteering refers to the act of donating labor for an organization or cause, willingly and without being paid to do so. While first and foremost volunteering is something you do to give back to the community, it’s important to know that depending on where you volunteer and what your out-of-pocket expenses are, there are certain tax benefits that you may be eligible to receive.
Are charitable donations tax-deductible?
Donations made to charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which are tax-exempt nonprofit organizations as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are eligible for tax deduction.
ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material is prepared and made available to you for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide or be relied upon for tax, legal or accounting advice. You should always consult a tax professional to determine your particular tax benefits that may results from any particular type of gift to charity.
What charities can I volunteer with to claim tax deductions?
Donations made to 501(c)(e) charities, like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, that are tax-exempt qualify for charitable deductions.
Are volunteer hours tax deductible?
No. Generally speaking, the time you spend volunteering and the value of the actual work you do is not a tax-deductible charitable contribution. If you incur expenses in donating your time, the out-of-pocket expense is a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
What are considered out-of-pocket expenses connect to volunteer work?
The value of your time is not deductible as a charitable contribution. On a positive note, unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses incurred when you serve a qualified organization as a volunteer are deductible as a charitable contribution. These expenses generally include:
- Travel expenses specifically related to your charity work, no significant personal element
- Accommodations and meal costs if away from home overnight
- Cost of parking and tolls
It’s important to note that if the charity you’ve volunteered for reimburses you for your out-of-pocket expenses, they are not tax-deductible.
Why support St. Jude through volunteering
Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% within the U.S., and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you help give kids with cancer around the world that chance. Together, we can save more lives.
St. Jude patient Gideon and his mom
Make an impact for St. Jude kids
When you support St. Jude, you support a lifesaving mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric cancer for children around the world. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of our generous donors and volunteers to help us continue in this mission. Together, we can save more lives.
You might also be interested in ...
-
About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a leading pediatric cancer center. Learn more about St. Jude.
-
Our stories
Meet the patients, families, supporters and staff of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and experience the stories that happen here every day.
-
Why support St. Jude?
Learn how supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital helps pediatric cancer patients worldwide.