Important Notice: A relevant IRS tax ruling has been brought to our attention, and an updated version of this article will be issued shortly. Consult your tax professional for details until then.
The following applies to all reenactors who perform their impressions as part of a 501c3 non-profit educational corporation like the National Civil War Association, Inc.
Report of the Treasurer: NCWA Tax Deductibility Guide
By Andrew M. Crockett
All information presented below is summarized from IRS Publication 526; “Charitable Contributions”.
If you itemize your deductions on your tax return using Form 1040, Schedule A, then all expenses related to re-enacting as a part of the National Civil War Association, Inc. – a qualified 501(c)3 non-profit educational corporation with Tax ID Number EIN 68-0039574 – are tax deductible, so long as the rules outlined below are followed.
Membership Dues
Your membership dues are FULLY DEDUCTIBLE.
Donations of Money
Donations of money are FULLY DEDUCTIBLE.
Raffle Tickets
The amount paid for raffle tickets purchased from the NCWA is NOT tax-deductible.
Mileage
The mileage you travel to and from NCWA events and meetings is deductible at $0.14/mile – be sure to keep records of your travels as proof for this deductibility requirement. Example: Billy Yank drove 1,200 miles to NCWA related business and events in 2014 and itemizes deductions on his Form 1040 Schedule A; therefore Billy Yank can deduct $168.00 in qualified non-profit travel expenses.
Impression Expenses
Expenses you make that aide in your period impression (uniforms, tents, chairs, kit, guns, black powder, etc.) are FULLY DEDUCTIBLE.
Expensive Items
Expensive items purchased to aide in your period impression (expensive guns, cannons, trailers, etc.) must be amortized over a period of years (consult your accountant for assistance on this).
Food
Quoted from Page 7 of IRS Pub 526: “You cannot deduct… the cost of meals you eat while performing services for a qualified organization, unless it is necessary for you to be away from home overnight while performing the services.” Therefore, meals you eat when attending a weekend-long re-enactment or living history event are fully tax-deductible. Note: Meals should not be “lavish or extravagant” or the deduction will be disallowed.
Alcoholic Beverages
Same treatment as for food, except that the drinks consumed must be done so responsibly (for example, they should be consumed with a meal, not for the purpose of getting drunk), and not be “lavish or extravagant” in nature, otherwise the deduction will be disallowed.
The National Civil War Association 