Updated 3/19/2012: Just saw this blog from the Scouter Magazine. Check it out at: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2011/03/03/tax-time/
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If you’re an active scouter, you know that you spend a lot of money on scouting. There’s the uniforms, training, meetings, buying materials for the scouts to working, driving everywhere, etc.
Did you know that according to the IRS, you can deduct much of that as donations to charity? BSA is considered a charity. Mileage to and from meetings, training sessions, events (campouts, service projects, places to buy materials for scout activities, etc.) can all be deducted from your taxes. The same goes for your registration fees, uniform and other out-of-pocket expenses that you are not reimbursed for (e.g. my pack reimburses me for BSA training classes so I can’t deduct those fees).
There are exceptions. Sorry, you can’t deduct your son’s (or daughter’s if she is in Girl Scouts) uniform, fees, etc. Also, any materials/items you buy needs to go toward the scout activities. (e.g. you can’t buy a video camera to video the scouts and keep it for yourself, it becomes a pack item).
As always, taxes are tricky and you should always consult with a tax professional (which I’m not) when dealing with tax issues.
