Are my costs for participating in a mission trip tax-deductible?

With signups for several missions trips starting soon I thought this would be a good opportunity to inform you about the IRS rules concerning fees paid to go on mission trips.  All expenses paid for an individual to volunteer work on a Brazos Pointe Fellowship sponsored mission trip are tax-deductible (including airfare and other such expenses).  

When the participant pays for him/herself, and if he/she itemizes their year-end tax return the fee can be deducted.  Payments given by you on behalf of someone else participating in one of Brazos Pointe Fellowship's mission trips are also considered a charitable contribution for the donor.

The IRS allows deductions where “there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation.” This means that if you plan significant side trips or other deviations before or after the scheduled mission trip, you may need to seek professional counsel regarding portions of the expenses that may not be deductible.  If you are unsure of your own personal limits on deductions related to your income, it is best to seek counsel from a professional tax advisor.

When making a payment toward a mission trip for you or someone else please make sure you clearly indicate what trip and individual the payment goes toward.  If you have general questions about mission trip payments please fee free to contact Kirk Willson at kwillson@brazospointe.com or 979.285.2022.