As the new year rolls around and people start setting their fitness goals, many are wondering if they can write off their exercise classes on their taxes. The short answer is, it depends. Here’s everything you need to know about whether exercise classes are tax deductible and how to go about claiming them.
First off, it’s important to understand that the IRS allows taxpayers to deduct certain medical expenses, including those related to physical activity. However, there are some restrictions and qualifications you need to meet in order to claim these deductions.
One of the main requirements is that the exercise class must be deemed medically necessary. This means that the class must be prescribed by a doctor as a treatment for a specific medical condition or ailment. For example, if you have diabetes and your doctor recommends attending a fitness class to help manage your condition, you may be able to deduct the cost of that class.
Another qualification is that the class must be held in a facility that is primarily focused on providing medical care. This means that if you attend a fitness class at your local gym, you may not be able to deduct the cost. However, if you attend a class at a medical center or a hospital, that may be a different story.
It’s also important to note that the deduction only applies to the portion of the cost that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). So if your AGI is $50,000, you would only be able to deduct expenses that exceed $3,750.
If you do meet all the qualifications and are eligible to claim the deduction, you’ll need to itemize your deductions on your tax return using IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to keep detailed records of your medical expenses, including receipts and a note from your doctor prescribing the exercise class.
In summary, while exercise classes may be tax deductible in certain situations, it’s important to understand the qualifications and restrictions before attempting to claim them. Always consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure you’re following the proper procedures and maximizing your deductions.
