Can we deduct mileage on the work my spouse does for our COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM as he backs up our First Responders on their calls?

It depends.

If he is treated as a paid independent contract, then yes, the mileage would be deductible.

If he is an employee, then no, this would not be deductible.

If this is volunteer work, for a qualified Charitable Organization, then yes, but only if you are itemizing your return. 

Itemized expenses include mortgage interest, gambling losses up to winnings,  charitable contributions, state and local taxes up to $10,000, medical expenses in excess of 7.5% of your AGI and casualty and losses in excess of 10% of you AGI with the first $100 not counting towards the loss. 

Then your total itemized expenses would need to be greater than your standard deduction below in order to benefit from your expenses. 

The 2024 Standard Deductions are as follows:

• Married Filing Joint (MFJ)              $29,200
• Married Filing Separate (MFS)      $14,600
• Head of Household (HOH)             $21,900 
• Single                                                 $14,600                                

Blind or over 65 and MFJ or MFS add $1,550

Single or HOH if blind or over 65 add $1,950

Standard versus Itemized Deduction