Travel Away From Home for Charity

A charitable deduction can be taken for travel expenses (including meals and lodging) incurred while performing services for a charity in an out-of-town location. However, two important criteria need to be met in order to get this deduction:

1. You must perform services for the organization in an official capacity while you’re away from home.

2. No “significant element of personal pleasure” must be connected with the travel.

Does this mean your trip can’t be enjoyable? No, but it does mean that the primary purpose of your travel must be related to your charitable duties and not be a personal vacation.

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