Unravelling the Truth About Gym Fees and Fitness-Related Expenses

Are you wondering if you can claim a tax deduction for your gym fees and other fitness-related expenses?

The short answer is, typically, no. There are some very specific exceptions to this rule that generally centre around the concept of strenuous physical activity.  We’ll explain more.

You can claim a tax deduction if your employment requires an extremely high level of fitness. This occurs in limited circumstances and goes beyond what you would call strenuous in an everyday context.

This doesn't just mean that you need to be in good shape or pass a fitness test.  It means that strenuous physical activity must be an essential and regular element of your work. Even if you're required to pass medical examinations and fitness tests to maintain your employment, the rule applies across the board. 

For instance, members of the regular Australian Defence Force, police officers, and firefighters would be excluded from claiming a tax deduction for such things as gym fees, skipping ropes, weights, and other fitness equipment.  These are generally considered private expenses.

Also, you cannot claim a tax deduction for conventional clothing you use in the course of keeping fit. This includes items such as tracksuits, running or aerobic shoes, socks, T-shirts, and shorts. Even if you only wear these items when you're working out, they're still considered private clothing and not deductible.

While it might be tempting to try and claim a tax deduction for your gym fees and fitness-related expenses, the reality is that these are usually considered private expenses. However, if you believe your situation might be one of the very limited exceptions, then it's worth contacting Gotax, in which case we will assess your particular situation. 

Start your tax return now at Gotax