Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

msar-riders - [MSAR] Tax Tips for the Search and Rescue Volunteer

msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Mounted search and rescue

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "MSAR-L" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] Tax Tips for the Search and Rescue Volunteer
  • Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 19:44:20 -0800

One would assume that the comments below regarding Search Dogs and expenses would also apply to Mounted SAR horses.
 

 
 
Tax Tips for the Search and Rescue Volunteer
Posted Friday, March 7, 2003

NASAR asked search and rescue professionals across the country to provide some "tax tips" for their fellow volunteers. Here is a summary of their responses. Please keep in mind that these responses are provided only as "helpful advice" between colleagues. There accuracy is in no way guaranteed and your specific tax questions should be addressed to your personal tax accountant or the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS website is www.irs.ustreas.gov.

"I can tell you that most of the time, a common sense approach is the best method to take. In case of audit, the more info you have to show that your deduction is legitimate, such as your professional certification, will be very helpful. Also, keeping anything that can verify where and when you responded to missions (newspaper articles, police reports, etc.), will back up your deduction for mileage, motels, meals etc. that you spend during the process. By the way, as a donation, the mileage deduction rate allowed is only $.14/mile. Make sure that you keep good records in a log book for all expenses deducted. Expect to deduct all expenses directly related to an actual search & rescue, even needed medical expenses caused by the search."

"Treat involvement in SAR as you would any other charitable activity. Keep track of your mileage to and from missions/training, lodging, meals, training fees, professional organization membership dues, publications and reference materials, equipment et al."

"If you charge for your services, you cannot deduct your expenses."

"If you are a canine handler, don't forget to keep track of your dog's expenses along with your own. Expenses that you would normally (sans SAR activities) incur in the care and training of a pet are not deductible. Expenses beyond that should be treated as deductions."


  • [MSAR] Tax Tips for the Search and Rescue Volunteer, Jorene Downs, 03/18/2003

Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page