Voluntourism – A Vacation with Tax Benefits

You probably know that business travelers can often deduct all or a portion of their travel, even if they are having some fun. But did you know that you can also get a tax benefit from your vacation? You can if you are willing to do a bit of work as a volunteer with a non-profit organization.

“Voluntourism” is becoming a popular option for travelers that want to make the most of their vacation. By volunteering with a non-profit organization a person can travel to almost any global destination, experience the culture of an area in a whole new way, and have a sense of purpose and of doing good with their vacation time. And then to top it off, some or all of their vacation expenses can be deducted on their income tax returns.

To get the tax deduction on your US Return you must volunteer with a US non-profit corporation. Habitat for Humanity is one organization that has volunteer opportunities both local and abroad. You could also contact an organization that specializes in voluntourism such as Cross Cultural Solutions in New York or Global Volunteers which is based out of Minnesota.

There are a number of factors that determine if you can deduct some or all of your travel expenses. In general the amount deductible will depend upon how much time you spend doing strictly volunteer activities, versus how much time you spend doing strictly vacation activities.

Whatever your skills or talents, there is a volunteer opportunity for you. You can help children and adults with their English. You can provide medical services, or you could help build a home. You can work, with children, seniors, teens and adults.

When working with a volunteer agency expect to pay your own airfare, plus a program fee that will generally include lodging and meals. Prepare to be flexible and open to new experiences. Do not expect classy hotels and fine dining. To save money volunteers are often housed with local families or budget hotels and eat the local food.

If you want a vacation with a purpose, one where you get to really know the local people and culture, and one that comes with a tax benefit, consider voluntourism. You’ll be glad you did!

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Michele Gran Says:
October 4th, 2009 at 3:23 am

Thanks so much for the mention! I’d like to make one important correction to your article regarding tax deductions for U.S. taxpayers. In fact, the IRS has very strict requirements for volunteers to average 8 hours per day on the volunteer work project, and that any “tourism” added to the service program may void the tax deduction. (That’s why we eschew the term “voluntourism”) For over 25 years, Global Volunteers has adhered to these requirements, and offers only full-day work projects, while advising that any “add-on” travel will require an opinion by a tax attorney regarding the tax deduction. Our volunteers have never been challenged by the IRS on this policy. You can read our guidelines here: http://www.globalvolunteers.org/faqs/faq9.asp
Thanks again for your interest in this important way to give while you learn about another culture!

Tax Deductibility and Voluntourism – Should it Stay or Should it Go? « Voluntourism Gal Says:
October 6th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

[...] Voluntourism – A Vacation with Tax Benefits [...]

Randy LeGrant Says:
October 11th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

I would like to echo what Michele writes about the tax deduction from the IRS point of view. In your post and on some volunteer abroad provider sites (you mentioned a few in your post) much is written about “all program fees and donations are tax-deductible for U.S. residents.”

That is not true and volunteers motivated by such need to be cautioned to consult their tax attorney. I wrote a VERY lengthy comment to this post on the Voluntourism Gal site.

Michele goes out of her way to advise volunteers about the IRS guidelines and the Global Volunteers policy on volunteering full days. I’d go out on a limb and write that Global Volunteers is a “model” when it comes to straight advice and pointing out the truth to tax deductions and volunteering. It is a shame other 501(c)(3) organizations do not do that.

Much is made about the for-profits “taking advantage” of volunteers and communities. I never see anyone write about the 501(c)(3) non-profits and the deception on their websites. Global Volunteers is head and shoulders above the rest and they mince no words about what is truly deductible and what is not. We need more Michele Grans.

Randy LeGrant
GeoVisions