I have come across an opportunity to volunteer my services. The rescue we got our husky from does a quarterly newsletter and I've already done an article for it. I have the opportunity to take it over on a volunteer basis each quarter. They would provide the content and I would make it look beautiful.

My question is, has anyone else volunteered their services? I am looking at it from a business prospective where it could expose me to other people and businesses and also can I take a tax deduction for the hours spent volunteering?

I've delayed asking that question because it sounds so cheap and selfish to me but it would be a business deal and I would be helping the foundation. Any advice?

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Administrative Support Group
Jenifer D

Jenifer,
I have volunteered through some of the many Virtual Volunteer organizations. It's an awesome feeling to be able to help these special companies yet it doesn't really cost me anything in return except a few hours a month.
Your volunteer hours are not a tax deduction because you are volunteering your time & services.
Do a great job while volunteering. Once you know they are happy with you, ask for referrals/testimonials. You;d be surprised where it will lead you.

Good Luck and enjoy it.

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

If I donated cash to a foundation voluntarily it would be a deduction so why is time different?

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Administrative Support Group
Jenifer D

Volunteering your time is different from making a cash donation.

The tax code provides a tax deduction for a cash contribution made to a not-for-profit organization (501c3). Your *service* falls in the category of community service and is a good thing for all of us to do!

If the not-for-profit organization paid you for your service and you then donated your earnings back to them, you would be able to take a tax deduction on the amount you donated back.


This is my understanding. I hope it helps! I think you have a great networking opportunity with this service. Good Luck.

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Karen Mitchell