An old tax policy is suddenly hurting America’s volunteers. We all know that everyday, thousands of volunteers drive those with chronic illnesses to medical appointments, deliver meals to homebound individuals, and help nonprofits keep their doors open. But a painful quirk in federal tax law has created a barrier that is preventing many charitable volunteers from doing what they really want to do: help the needy in their communities. As a result, nonprofits from coast to coast have been losing volunteers because of high gas prices and this unfair tax statute.
Here’s the problem: Congress allows the IRS to adjust the standard mileage rate that corporations and the federal government can reimburse their employees for miles driven in their own vehicles; the IRS, in recognition of the skyrocketing gas prices, recently increased the rate to 58.5 cents per mile for business and federal employees. Unfortunately, in 1997 – when gas cost just $1.25 per gallon – Congress locked in statute that volunteers can deduct only 14 cents per mile. The only way to adjust that low rate is for Congress to go back in and fix it. Without an act of Congress, even more volunteers will get sidelined, and regular citizens who depend on volunteer services will suffer.
Fortunately, a bill was recently introduced – on a bipartisan basis – to fix this problem: the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere Act of 2008 (GIVE Act) (S.3429). But when Congress comes back to DC from its August recess, it will have only three weeks to get the bill passed in both the House and Senate before it adjourns so members can seek re-election.
The National Council of Nonprofit Associations and hundreds of other nonprofits, such as AARP, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, Independent Sector, and United Way of America, are urging Congress to pass the GIVE Act before Congress leaves for the November elections.
Join NCNA in urging Congress to take immediate action on this vital issue! Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to keep your community informed TODAY. We have provided sample text that you can copy, edit, and then send to your local paper. All you need to do is enter your zip code below and follow the simple instructions to send a letter directly to your local newspaper.
You can also send a letter to your Senators urging them to co-sponsor the bill, learn more about real nonprofits affected by this issue; learn why NCNA has endorsed this legislation; or sign onto the letter of support on behalf of your organization. Please raise your voice for nonprofits and volunteers everywhere!
