Are gym memberships tax-deductible?

Asked by: Paige Yost  |  Last update: April 24, 2025
Score: 5/5 (9 votes)

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.

What kind of memberships are tax deductible?

Learn which types of dues you pay to professional, business, and civic organizations are deductible business expenses. Dues you pay to professional, business, and civic organizations are deductible business expenses, as long as the organization's main purpose is not to provide entertainment facilities to members.

Is a gym membership a qualified medical expense?

Gym membership costs are qualified medical expenses only if the gym is for the sole purpose of: 1) affecting a structure or function of the body, such as part of a prescribed plan for physical therapy to treat an injury or 2) treating a specific disease diagnosed by a physician such as obesity, hypertension or heart ...

Which states tax gym memberships?

Texas, Florida and New Jersey are among 24 states, along with the District of Columbia, that currently impose sales taxes on membership fees. States that do not impose sales taxes on membership fees include California, Illinois and New York.

Can memberships be taxed?

California: Membership fees related to the anticipated retail sale of tangible personal property may be subject to sales tax, especially if the retailer sells products exclusively to members.

Are Gym Memberships Tax Deductible? - Federal Tax Resolution

19 related questions found

What percent of Americans own a gym membership?

Comparison With Previous Years (2021, 2022, 2023)

Gym memberships have rebounded post-pandemic as members returned to in-person fitness. There were 64.2 million gym members in 2021, accounting for 20% of the U.S. population.

Can I claim gym on expense?

There are very few exceptions where the gym is seen as being necessary to your business, and this is if you work in a field that requires you to be in shape. In these cases, it can be seen as a reasonable business expense.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

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.

Can I write off club membership?

Unfortunately, the IRS does not allow deductions for club dues and memberships organized for pleasure, recreation, or other social purposes. This includes country clubs, golf clubs, athletic clubs, airline clubs, and hotel clubs.

Are medical memberships tax-deductible?

A10: Yes, but only if the membership was purchased for the sole purpose of affecting a structure or function of the body (such as a prescribed plan for physical therapy to treat an injury) or the sole purpose of treating a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease).

Are church dues tax-deductible?

Share: Charitable donations are tax deductible and the IRS considers church tithing tax deductible as well. To deduct the amount you tithe to your church or place of worship report the amount you donate to qualified charitable organizations, such as churches, on Schedule A.

How to get a letter of medical necessity for gym membership?

A medical provider will review your information and email you a Letter of Medical Necessity, if appropriate. Submit your letter and fitness receipts made on or after the letter's date to your HSA/FSA administrator.

Are sports club fees tax-deductible?

Understanding the General Rule

The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness.

Are massages tax-deductible?

Massages may be tax deductible if prescribed as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fibromyalgia. If a licensed medical practitioner prescribes massage therapy to address musculoskeletal issues, it can be tax-deductible as a medical expense.

What cannot be claimed as a medical expense?

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

What can you deduct if you don't itemize?

You can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:
  • Alimony payments.
  • Business use of your car.
  • Business use of your home.
  • Money you put in an IRA.
  • Money you put in health savings accounts.
  • Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Teacher expenses.

Are glasses 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 write off my gym membership?

In general, gym memberships are not deductible as a business expense on your personal tax return. According to the IRS, expenses for general health and wellness, to maintain one's general health, such as gym memberships or fitness classes, are not deductible.

Is a gym membership a qualified healthcare expense?

If a doctor prescribes a gym membership as part of a treatment plan for a specific medical condition, such as obesity, diabetes, or post-surgery rehabilitation, it may qualify as a medical expense. But, be sure to consult your HSA provider and get proper documentation from your doctor to comply with IRS rules.

How much entertainment expenses can I claim?

IRS rules on business entertainment expenses

While these expenses were 50% deductible before 2018, they're now mostly non-deductible until at least 2026. However, you can qualify for a 100% deduction if one of these exceptions applies: The expenses resulted from selling entertainment to your customers.

How much is a typical gym membership per month?

Gym memberships cost between $10 and $100 a month generally, with even some well-known names on the lower end of that range. But rates can get much higher, especially at luxury fitness clubs. Determining the true price you'll pay for a membership can be tricky because many gyms obscure the details.

What is the average age of gym goers?

But the face of your typical gym member is changing or, should we say, ageing! Although a report by IHRSA shows that 18–34-year-olds continue to hold the majority of gym memberships (30.9%) memberships held by people aged 55+ are now the fastest-growing group.

Which state has the most gym memberships?

One of the most popular ways to keep fit is to make regular visits to a health club or gym. The state of California was home to the largest amount of gyms in the United States - 5,123 in total. Just under 30 percent of residents in California had a gym membership in 2019.