Can You Take Travel Deductions Other Than Business Travel Expenses?

We all undoubtedly know that business travel is tax deductible for the business person, but did you know that there are many other transportation and travel expenses that you can deduct? It's true! The most common deductions are for medical expenses, charitable work, education, investment travel and job hunting. It's always advisable of course to check with your accountant before taking any of these tax deductions, but you might as well take what is legal in order for you to help lower your taxes!

Medical expenses such as transportation to doctors and dentist's offices, hospital and clinics are common to most people. The cost of gas and oil is deductible if you use your own car for medical transportation. (Depreciation, insurance and repairs are not deductible). You can also take a deduction for tolls and parking fees. And if you travel away from home for medical purposes, or are accompanying a child or other dependent, you can deduct the cost of your lodging.

Another deduction you can take is for charitable work. When you use your car to volunteer for a charity such as a fund raiser or a church event, you can deduct the operational expenses. Depreciation, insurance or repairs on your car however are not allowed. This deduction can be important for people who do a lot of volunteer work

Educational deductions are also allowed. A lot of people may not know about these. If you are a student that attends school away from home, you may deduct all travel expenses, even board and lodging. Also, since travel for education is considered a form of business travel, all actual car expenses may be deducted.