Is Donated Vacation Time Tax Deductible?

By Robert Palmer

Employees may choose to donate their vacation time to a colleague who is dealing with a personal or family emergency. This is a kind gesture that can help someone in need. However, some employees may wonder if this act of generosity is tax-deductible.

What is donated vacation time

Donated vacation time is when an employee donates their unused vacation time to another employee who needs additional time off for personal reasons. This could be due to a medical emergency, the birth of a child, or caring for a sick family member.

This arrangement usually occurs within the same company and requires approval from management. The donated time off can be used by the employee in need as paid leave instead of taking unpaid leave.

Is donated vacation time tax-deductible for the donor

No, donated vacation time is not tax-deductible for the donor. The IRS considers this an act of generosity rather than a charitable contribution.

According to IRS Publication 526, charitable contributions are defined as “donations made to qualified organizations that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific, or literary in purpose.”

In contrast, donating vacation time does not meet these criteria. It is simply an agreement between colleagues within the same company and does not involve a qualified charitable organization.

Is donated vacation time taxable for the recipient

Yes, donated vacation time is taxable income for the recipient. The value of the donated hours will be included in their W-2 form and reported as regular income on their tax return.

The recipient may also be required to pay taxes on any cash payments they receive in lieu of using donated vacation time.

Conclusion

In summary, donated vacation time is a kind gesture that can help an employee in need. However, it is important to note that it is not tax-deductible for the donor and is taxable income for the recipient.

Employees who are considering donating their vacation time should consult with their company’s HR department and a tax professional to understand the specific policies and tax implications.