When volunteering, deduct your out-of-pocket costs

While you can't write off the value of the time and effort you put into your charitable activities, you can deduct what you actually spend on them as an itemized deduction. For instance, if you drive your car to deliver meals to homebound people, deduct this mileage at the rate of 14¢ per mile, plus parking and tolls. Keep good records of this driving to prove car usage. Keep receipts for other expenses, such as supplies you purchase for a charity.