Mission trips - contributions

[John3cpa]

I have a builder who takes mission trips to Central America and helps construction projects for an established overseas mission organization. He gets a letter from them in support of cash purchases of building materials so we're ok there, but not for his travel expenses for which he has charge card receipts or cancelled checks. Do you agree that the travel expense is also a contribution? What if the travel location changes from the "bush" of Central America to England?

[MAMalody]

I have a builder who takes mission trips to Central America and helps construction projects for an established overseas mission organization. He gets a letter from them in support of cash purchases of building materials so we're ok there, but not for his travel expenses for which he has charge card receipts or cancelled checks. Do you agree that the travel expense is also a contribution? What if the travel location changes from the "bush" of Central America to England?

I would recommend that he be disignated by the organization to go on the mission trip as their representative. That would solve most of the questions. You would also want to make sure that he is able to document that there was not a significant amount of "personal pleasure" to this trip.

Mike

[Gretel]

He also needs to have a letter from the organization stating the fact that he is doing service for them to be able to deduct out-of-pocket expenses over $500.

[DaveO]

Agree with Gabriele and MaMalody

Just had an audit where this was examined. A letter from the church was required as well as a list of the projects and what was done. The ground transportation and flights were matched up pretty closely as well.

[John3cpa]

Thanks everyone!!

Good points and good insight as always!!

John