Question

Mileage deduction to transport step daughter to volunteer at humane society

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
January 23, 2020
1 reply
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My step daughter volunteers at a Animal Humane Society every other Sunday. It's 23 miles from our home. My wife and I take turns dropping her off and picking her up. Is charitable mileage deductible if you are not the one volunteering but you are supporting someone who is?

Thanks.

ColeenD3

Unfortunately, no. The gas is considered a cash contribution.

Contributions Your Dependent Makes

The IRS only allows you to deduct charitable contributions that you personally funded, whether the contribution was made in your name or in someone else's. If your child or dependent makes a donation to a charity, you are not allowed to claim it as a tax deduction. This is true even if your dependent does not claim the contribution on his own tax return because he opts for the standard deduction rather than itemizing or claims exemption.

Non-Cash Contributions Your Dependent Makes

If you donate non-cash items such as household goods or even a car, you may be able to claim these on your taxes if you originally financed the items. For instance, if you purchased children’s clothing and then donated them to charity, you can deduct these from your taxes. However, if your child purchases a car and then donates it to charity as the titled owner, you would not be able to deduct this. Keep in mind, too, that you will need a professional appraisal to claim any non-cash contributions of more than $500.