JohnEyles wrote:

- quote -

You seem to have outlined the situation in which NONE of
your expenses are deductible. Well, maybe a little of the
car mileage while in the Park are.

Your time and effrort when working on charitable "projects"
is never deductible, and it appears that this component of
your trip is not a significant part of your activities -
which otherwise look like vacation.

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In the spring I took a long road-trip out west, spending a
good deal of my time at Grand Canyon National Park. The
trip was mainly for pleasure purposes, but while there I
participated in a 5-day long "service project" at the park
(the project WAS for a qualified charitable org). I am
wondering how much I can deduct for my travel expenses. The
instructions seem a little vague. It seems to imply the
auto expenses can be deducted, but other expenses like hotel
rooms only if there was no significant recreational/personal
component.

I'm tempted to say I was out there for 40 days (not counting
driving time), I spent 5 days on the project, so I'll deduct
1/8th of my mileage. But none of my hotel rooms and other
expenses. Thoughts?

Thanks, John

<< ================================================== ===== > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2006) - All rights reserved. > << ================================================== ===== >