The Tax Issue Regarding Volunteer Mileage Rate - 1321 Words

Every year we are faced with the undesirable task of filing taxes. While the non-profit sector may not necessarily be entrepreneurial in nature, it does not mean they are entirely exempt of the taxation burden especially for those who are employed receiving salaries versus those volunteering their time for free. I would like to discuss a tax issue regarding volunteer mileage rate. Volunteers who use their personal vehicle to perform work for a nonprofit are only allowed deducting 14 cents per mile while the standard business mileage rate is currently 57.5 cents per mile for the current year 2015. Volunteering is more than just doing something for free. It is taking someone’s skills and utilizing them to help the community without the†¦show more content†¦How making the change is motivational for volunteerism As with a paid employee, volunteers need the same motivational push to perform and be their best and return on a regular basis. However, with increased fuel costs, those who regularly give of themselves will stop volunteering. The motive is not to have a different mileage rate, just one equivalent to those receiving an actual fiscal benefit for their services. A volunteer may already have personal, financial, professional, and in some cases emotional ties that may possibly deprave a person’s motivation when making decisions. Why add to the burden when it can be a benefit for those charitably contributing to society. Incentivizing an individual with a form of indirect remuneration can motivate someone to continue serving a non-profit organization. While Government may grant a tax-exempt status to an organization it does not extend the exemption to the individuals carrying out the duties and burdens imposed on and related to volunteering. While it could be argued that non- profit’s should receive more, having this mileage rate equal to the private sector is a great way to keep volunteers on the road. The Non-profit