It is time to change the IRS code to allow the value of WORK DONATED by an individual to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) as an itemized deduction.
Currently, only the expenses (i.e. transportation to meeting/job-site, personal supplies, etc.) incurred in the course of the service qualify.
This will inspire more people to volunteer their expertise, time and skills locally. It will not cost the NPOs anything and will give a tax break to low and middle income people who can't donate $ $$,$$$,$$$+.
The value of volunteer labor, estimated at $21.36/hour in 2010 by Independent Sector, also must be included in the GDP. The Corporation for National and Community Service, estimates that about in 2009 over 63.4 million Americans gave 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth $169 billion.