Sadly it is very unlikely that your gym membership will be deductible for tax purposes. The ATO is very strict on this issue and it is more than likely to be classified as a personal deduction.
Tax rulings for deducting gym memberships are very specific, for example police officers and members of the Australian defence force are unable to claim a deduction for their gym memberships, however if they are required to maintain a higher level of fitness than the general police/defence force standard then a deduction would be allowed.
For example, star-force officers may claim a deduction for their gym memberships (as with special forces military), however general police officers/defence force members may not.
Other occupations may be required to maintain a level of fitness above the general standard for police/military officers, however the onus is on the tax payer to prove this is the case. Generally speaking, gym memberships are not deductible for the following occupations:
- PT’s/group instructors (except if they can prove their requirement to maintain fitness levels above a general defense force member).
- Physical education coaches
- Firemen/women
- Paramedics
- Dancers
However personal trainers, regardless of their fitness requirements, generally pay “rent” to the gymnasium in order to train clientele at the premises (generally this “rent” allows the trainer to train for free themselves”). This is of course deductible as the purpose of the payment is to allow the trainer to train their clients at the gymnasium, and not of a personal nature.
Should your gym membership be deductible, unfortunately you cannot deduct the costs of protein shakes, vitamins or supplements.
