![]() ![]() You can take the actual cost of gas and oil, OR.First, you’re eligible to deduct the cost of driving to and from the volunteer work, which would include most BSA activities.However, there’s one expense that I’m certain you can deduct: the cost of driving to and from BSA events. You’ll want to check with your tax professional to be sure, but Scouters have told me they deduct merit badge pamphlets, den meeting activity kits, Wood Badge course fees and much more - again, as long as their pack or troop didn’t reimburse them. Some items that you purchase to benefit your unit can be deducted, provided your unit didn’t reimburse you for them. This includes giving to the BSA and specifying a particular person or Scout as the beneficiary of your donation.Įasy enough, right? Scouters will mainly be concerned with that third type of eligible deductions, “out-of-pocket expenses you paid to do volunteer work.” A contribution to a specific individual.Some types of relevant contributions cannot be deducted:.The cost of driving to and from BSA events.“Uniforms that aren’t suitable for everyday use and that you wear while performing donated services for a charitable organization are charitable items in the year purchased,” Carr says. “Out-of-pocket expenses you paid to do volunteer work”.Five types of contributions can be deducted:.On IRS Form 1040, “2019 Instructions for Schedule A”, the Boy Scouts of America is listed by name on page A-11 as a “qualified charitable organization,” so BSA expenses are eligible.General facts you need to knowįurther clarification for this section comes from the Taxwise Giving newsletter (November 2016 edition). Unless charitable giving, mortgage interest, and state and local tax deductions are greater than $24,400 (married filing jointly) or $12,200 (single), a Scout leader won’t be itemizing, and as a result the charitable donation won’t be deductible. How tax law changes affect Scoutersįor tax year 2019, the threshold for itemizing (filling out the Schedule A) increased to $24,400 for a married-filing-jointly return.Īs a result, a lot of the detailed tracking Scout leaders may have done in the past for charitable giving may no longer be necessary. Along with other Scout leaders on Facebook, I’ve collected some tips to help you track and deduct your BSA-related expenses.Īnd with the July 15, 2020, deadline approaching fast, there’s no better time than now to get started. Your fellow Scouters and I are here to help. And now, they know that they can include those expenses if they plan to itemize their deductions.īut what if you didn’t know that BSA expenses were deductible? Or what if your “filing system” is really your glove compartment that’s stuffed with gas receipts and crumpled-up napkins? And what qualifies as an eligible expense, anyway? Scouters who heeded the Scout Motto last year remembered to track and document their Boy Scouts of America-related expenses. When Baden-Powell said “Be Prepared,” I’m pretty sure he wasn’t talking about income tax returns.īut still, there’s no better advice than that two-word phrase during tax time. Always consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. ![]() It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. ![]() (Thanks, Michael!)ĭISCLAIMER: W hile this text was reviewed by a CPA, this material is intended for informational purposes only. The text was reviewed by Eagle Scout Michael B. Your Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, much like a compass, will help navigate your way to a life of service as a proud Eagle Scout.UPDATED: This text, first published in 2011, was updated March 20, 2020, with 2019 tax season info as well as the news that the filing deadline was being pushed back because of the coronavirus. We encourage you to seek guidance from your unit leader and project coach as you need help. Communicate with the beneficiary often to ensure the project meets the organization’s needs once it is completed. Your proposal, the logical first step, should emphasize your intention to give leadership to others through proper planning and development. Your result should be of significant impact in your community to be special, and should represent your very best effort. In many ways, your service project reflects who you are as a youth leader. Service to other people is what Scouting is all about. Historically in Scouting, it was a fitting symbol of health and fitness, but it also represents the spirit of caring and giving that is behind the Eagle Scout service project. As you ponder the meaning behind the Life patch, you are encouraged to think about the symbol of the heart. You are among approximately 55,000 youth who year after year, achieve that important milestone. Congratulations on earning the rank of Life Scout. ![]()
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