If I volunteer can I use that as a tax write off

Question

I am a reserve police officer with a local city. I do not get paid for my hours. I was wondering since I don't receive a paycheck. Can I use my time as a tax write off?????

Answer 1

No volunteer work is never deductible especially if it is time you may however deduct the value of equipment, supplies ,uniforms etc that is an out of pocket expense that is not reimbursed to you that is in conjunction to your line of work

Answer 2

NO! That's why it is called volunteer.  But bless you for your services.

Answer 3

No, you can NEVER deduct the value of your time.  However if you have any out-of-pocket expenses such as uniforms, weapon, mileage, training, etc. then you may deduct those things as a charitable contribution.

Also consider that since you are not being paid for your service, you're not paying taxes on that income that you never received.

Answer 4

The value of volunteer time is not deductible.  You can deduct your out-of- pocket expenses (mileage or actual transportation costs, uniform, equipment).  

In addition, check with your state and local taxing bodies.  Some have a tax deduction or credit for public safety volunteers.  However, this has not been implemented at the federal level.