Are fitness watches tax deductible?

Asked by: Cory Fritsch  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (48 votes)

To qualify for tax deductions, wearable technology must meet specific criteria set by tax authorities. Primarily, the device should be used exclusively for business purposes. This means that if a smartwatch is used to track employee productivity or manage schedules, it must not be used for personal activities.

Can a smart watch be a tax write-off?

Similarly, smart watches are also usually considered private expenses which makes them non-deductible. The only exception here is if you need the smart watch's features to perform your job duties – even then you need to maintain a diary or records of the watch's work-related usage.

Are fitness trackers tax deductible?

Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses. However if a Letter of Medical Necessity for a fitness tracker is written up by a doctor or medical professional, the IRS would then allow it as an HSA eligible purchase.

Is a watch for work tax deductible?

You can't claim a deduction for the cost you incur to buy or maintain ordinary watches or timepieces, even if they are required as part of your job. This is a private expense. However, you can claim a deduction if your watch has special characteristics that you use for a work-related purpose.

Can you write off fitness equipment on taxes?

1. Equipment and gear. Any equipment and gear used exclusively by your clients qualify as a business expense. This could include standard gear such as mats, weights, and machines, but also sound systems or water bottle refill stations.

Are Gym Memberships Tax Deductible? - Federal Tax Resolution

21 related questions found

Can I write off a Rolex?

Despite popular belief and advice from some tax professionals and influencers, the IRS and tax courts generally do not allow deductions for Rolexes.

What equipment can I write off on my taxes?

Things like heavy machinery, office equipment, computers and office furniture are usually able to be deducted. Vehicles may also be deducted, with some limitations and deduction caps.

How much can you claim without receipts?

$300 maximum claims rule

This rule states that if the total of your work-related expenses is $300 or less (not including car, travel, and overtime meal expenses, which can be claimed separately), you can claim the total amount as a tax deduction without receipts.

What electronics are tax-deductible?

Work-Related Devices That You Can Write Off
  • Smart Phones. Smartphone usage for business purposes is a legitimate cost. ...
  • Computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets. The IRS mandates that your business expenses are customary, necessary, and reasonable to be eligible for deduction. ...
  • Internet Usage. ...
  • Software.

Can I write off Planet fitness?

The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness. The main reason is that these expenses are considered personal, even if they contribute indirectly to improved work performance, stress reduction, or overall well-being.

Are eyeglasses tax deductible?

The money spent on reading or prescription eyeglasses can be considered a tax-deductible medical expense. By categorizing glasses under "medical expenses" and itemizing deductions on form 104, Schedule A, you may be able to lower your tax burden.

Can I buy an Apple Watch with my HSA?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I write off Netflix on my taxes?

The IRS's definition of what it considers to be a business expense is an expense that is both ordinary and necessary. So, if you feel like Netflix or any other streaming service is directly or indirectly necessary for your trade or business, you can claim it as a tax write-off.

Is a smartwatch considered an electronic device?

However, in general, there are no limits on electronic devices. That means the category smartwatches fall under is important, especially since they're very much in demand, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand!

Can I use Amazon Prime as a tax write off?

What expenses can actually be deducted (Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc.)? Absolutely. Those are direct expenses, so you can take those whether you have a home office or not, because some of those expenses are actual.

What happens if you get audited and don't have receipts?

Missing receipts during an audit can end up costing you a lot of money, either through CPA fees (to put it all together to prove to the IRS that your expenses were legit), through disallowed deductions that increase your taxable income, through expenses that the IRA agent determines were actually payments to executives ...

How much laundry can I claim without receipts?

It's important to keep in mind that if your laundry claim is over $150 total, or your total claim for work-related expenses is greater than $300, then you'll need to provide written evidence, like diary entries or receipts.

How much can you write off on taxes without receipts?

How much business expenses can I claim without receipts? It depends on the type of business expense. The standard mileage deduction for business-related travel, for example, allows you to claim $0.70 per mile in 2025. The simplified home office deduction offers a deduction of $5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet.

Can you buy a watch as a tax write off?

Common write-offs or deductions include mortgage interest, interest on student loans and business equipment. Clothing and accessories can be write-offs, but only in very limited circumstances. Sadly, luxury watches like a Rolex are not on the list.

How can I write on my Apple Watch?

Write: Use your finger to write letters, numbers, and punctuation on the screen. Use predictive text: Turn the Digital Crown to see suggested words, then stop turning the Digital Crown to enter the highlighted suggestion. Add a space: Tap Space. Edit: To move the cursor, turn the Digital Crown.

Is an Apple Watch a medical expense?

“The new Apple Watch Series 4 was approved by the FDA as an electrocardiogram or ECG. Does this mean someone can purchase the new Apple Watch and those funds count as a medical expense?” The answer is no.

What are the best things to write off on taxes?

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Can you write off a cell phone on taxes?

You can qualify for a cell phone tax deduction from cell phone charges incurred when the mobile phone is being used exclusively for business. There is not an IRS cell phone deduction for self employed people, exclusively.

Can I write off clothes for work?

Work clothes are tax deductible if your employer requires you to wear them everyday but they cannot be worn as everyday wear, such as a uniform. However, if your employer requires you to wear suits – which can be worn as everyday wear – you cannot deduct their cost even if you never wear the suits outside of work.