I am considering taking a mission trip this summer with my son. Can I take the trip off on my taxes?

Yes. Any short term mission trip that you pay for yourself, spouse included, is deductible on your tax return as a short term mission trip. As with any tax deduction the IRS requires substantiation (proof) that you actually took the trip. You must save any and all receipts such as airline ticket stubs and boarding passes, food receipts, transportation receipts and any other receipt that would prove you actually did what you are claiming you did. If a non-profit organization arranged the trip (purchased tickets and accommodations) and you paid the non-profit organization for your trip you would still have airline ticket stubs and other receipts that substantiate you took the trip. You would also have your cancelled check or credit card receipt as proof you paid the non-profit organization for your trip. Hang on to everything!