Is a personal trainer a deductible medical expense?

Asked by: Modesto Blick PhD  |  Last update: September 9, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (19 votes)

The IRS allows deductions for medical expenses that prevent or alleviate physical or mental defects or illnesses. Personal training sessions may be deductible if prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a specific medical condition.

Is a personal trainer a medical expense?

Therapists and nurses. Services provided by individuals other than physicians can qualify if they relate to a medical condition and aren't for general health. For example, the cost of physical therapy after knee surgery does qualify, but the cost of a personal trainer to help you get in shape doesn't.

Can you write off a personal trainer?

In some cases, individuals may be able to use their expenses paid to personal trainers as tax write-offs as well, provided that they can show that they're necessary for their jobs (for example, if you're a professional athlete or model).

Is PT tax deductible?

Physical therapy expenses are generally considered medical expenses for tax purposes. This includes the cost of services provided by a licensed physical therapist, as well as any related equipment or supplies.

Can you write off personal coaching?

These expenses are usually tax-deductible if you offer leadership coaching to help leaders enhance their leadership and strategic skills. However, if the coaching services you provide to your clients are for personal development, like life coaching, then the costs are not tax deductible.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

34 related questions found

Can I deduct professional training?

Are professional development courses tax deductible? While professional development courses usually aren't tax deductible for employees, you can write off eligible online and in-person courses as business expenses as a small business or self-employed person.

What is the tax form for a personal trainer?

‍1099 Form: The 1099 form is used for independent contractors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals who provide services to a business. As a 1099 worker, you are considered self-employed, meaning you are responsible for managing and paying your own taxes, including self-employment tax.

What type of medical expenses are tax deductible?

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for a legal abortion.
  • Acupuncture. You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for acupuncture. ...
  • Ambulance. You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for ambulance service. ...
  • Artificial Limb. ...
  • Bandages. ...
  • Body Scan. ...
  • Breast Pumps and Supplies.

Can gym memberships be tax deductible?

Gym memberships are generally considered personal expenses and not tax deductible. However, you may be able to use a tax-advantaged account, like a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to cover your gym membership if a healthcare professional prescribes it for a specific medical condition.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

Is a personal trainer considered a medical professional?

Outside of the fitness industry, personal training is not given the respect of other healthcare and related occupations. In fact, the Department of Labor Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) lists personal trainers under Fitness and Recreation Workers, which is part of the Personal Service occupation category.

Can you write off professional memberships?

Professional Fees & Dues:

Dues paid to professional societies related to your profession are deductible. However, the costs of initial admission fees paid for membership in certain organizations or social clubs are considered capital expenses.

Do I give my personal trainer a 1099?

As an independent contractor, you will get a Form 1099-NEC at tax time instead of a Form W-2. The 1099-NEC will list income details as “non-employee compensation,” and this information is reported to the IRS as well. Double-check your 1099-NEC —it should only include your portion of what the trainees paid.

Can I write off personal training?

If your training sessions are for treatment of a medical condition like hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes, you may claim this on your taxes. In addition to what you pay your trainer, you can claim your gym's membership fees. You can also claim any food products your doctor deems necessary for your health.

Is 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 ...

What is the IRS code for personal trainers?

A “personal fitness trainer” falls under the business code of NAICS 812990. The code does not strictly refer to health and fitness professions. Rather, the code refers to all “personal services.” In addition to personal trainers, house sitters, wedding planners, and the like would use this category.

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

How Can I Get an LMN? Speak with your doctor. They'll assess your medical history, current health status, and the necessity of the equipment in treating your condition. This evaluation might involve a physical examination and reviewing your records.

Can you write off club memberships?

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.

What deductions can I claim?

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.

What cannot be claimed as a medical expense?

Examples of Medical and Dental Payments you CANNOT deduct:

Health club dues, gym membership fees, or spa dues. Electrolysis or hair removal. The cost of diet food or nutritional supplements (vitamins, herbal supplements, "natural medicines") Teeth whitening.

What are IRS qualified medical expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

Is personal training a medical expense?

The IRS allows deductions for medical expenses that prevent or alleviate physical or mental defects or illnesses. Personal training sessions may be deductible if prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a specific medical condition.

Is personal coaching tax deductible?

As a self-employed coach or small business owner, you can deduct many expenses that are both "ordinary and necessary" to your coaching work. To claim these deductions, your coaching must qualify as work — otherwise, it's a hobby.

Do I need an EIN as a personal trainer?

Obtain an EIN: If you plan on hiring employees, you must also obtain an EIN, register with the Department of Labor in your state, and handle payroll. You will also need an EIN if you form an LLC or corporation.