Is Volunteering Tax-Deductible in South Africa?

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Is Volunteering Tax-Deductible in South Africa? What You Need to Know

In South Africa, volunteering your time and energy to a cause you care about is one of the most impactful things you can do. But as you give back, you might wonder: Can I receive any tax benefits for volunteering? Is volunteering tax-deductible in South Africa?

The short answer is: your time as a volunteer is not tax-deductible, but certain donations associated with volunteering might be—if they meet specific criteria set by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Let’s break it down.

🧍‍♀️ Volunteering Time vs. Donating Money

It’s important to distinguish between volunteering (offering your services or time) and donating (giving money or goods). SARS does not consider your time as a financial contribution, which means:

✅ Time volunteered – Not tax-deductible
✅ Out-of-pocket expenses – Not deductible unless reimbursed
✅ Donations to qualifying organisations – May be deductible

For example, if you spend a Saturday packing food parcels or planting trees, the hours you invest are deeply appreciated, but SARS won’t allow you to claim those hours as a tax deduction.

💸 What Is Tax-Deductible?

Under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act, SARS allows individuals and companies to claim tax deductions for bona fide donations made in cash or kind to certain registered Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs).

To qualify:

  1. The organisation must be registered with SARS and have Section 18A approval.
  2. The donation must be voluntary (not in exchange for goods or services).
  3. The donation must be supported by an official Section 18A certificate.
  4. The donation must be in cash or goods, not services or time.

🧾 What Can You Claim?

If you donated money, food, school supplies, blankets, or other goods to a qualifying organisation, and received a valid Section 18A certificate, you may claim up to 10% of your taxable income in deductions for that tax year.

⚠️ Important: If you donate more than 10%, the excess may be rolled over to the next year, subject to SARS approval.

🚫 What Is Not Tax-Deductible?

Here’s what SARS doesn’t allow you to claim:

  • Your volunteered hours or services
  • Travel costs (e.g., fuel or Uber fares to events)
  • Meals or uniforms purchased to volunteer
  • Donations made to non-approved organisations (even if they do good work!)

🔍 How to Know if an Organisation Qualifies

Always check if the organisation:

  • Has Section 18A status (not all NPOs do!)
  • Can issue a valid SARS-compliant receipt
  • Is listed on the SARS website or will provide you with their PBO number

At Volunteer Now, many of our partner NPOs are fully registered and eligible for tax-deductible donations. If you’re ever unsure, ask the organisation directly for their Section 18A certificate.

💡 Tips for Volunteers Who Want Tax Benefits

  1. Donate in kind: If you’re already volunteering, consider making a qualifying donation—like clothing, hygiene items, or funds—and request a Section 18A receipt.
  2. Keep records: Store all receipts and donation certificates for your tax filing.
  3. Ask upfront: Before donating, ask the NPO if they’re registered for Section 18A benefits.
  4. Donate strategically: Make a large annual donation rather than small, scattered ones to reach your tax threshold more easily.

🧡 Volunteering Is Rewarding—With or Without Tax Perks

While the time you give isn’t tax-deductible, it’s worth remembering that volunteering offers immeasurable personal and social returns:

  • Making a real impact in your community
  • Meeting like-minded people
  • Learning new skills
  • Building your CV
  • Feeling part of something bigger than yourself

So, even though SARS won’t reward your hours financially, society certainly will.

🖥️ Ready to Make a Difference?

Join the Volunteer Now platform to:

  • Find verified volunteering opportunities
  • Earn service hours (for school or personal growth)
  • Support registered NPOs with tax-deductible donations
  • Become part of a community of changemakers

👉 www.volunteernow.co.za

Final Thoughts

In South Africa, volunteering itself is not tax-deductible, but financial or in-kind donations to qualifying organisations can be. To maximise your impact—and your tax return—make sure you donate wisely, request Section 18A certificates, and keep good records.

Ultimately, whether or not you receive a tax benefit, your contribution to your community matters.

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