Can I deduct gym membership as business expense? | Bloggers Lair | Yakezie Forums

It seems like the IRS doesn't look kindly on gym membership as business expense.

However, if I write about fitness, can I take a deduction on fitness cost? It's research, right? 

Who is writing off gym membership as blog expense? Let's hear your justification. 

What other unusual expenses can we write off? 

This is what we commonly call the gray area of the tax code. You may be able to write it off under some circumstances, but it may be a red flag for the IRS to audit you. Is it worth the write off to be audited?

Hmmm…what if you have a blog where you write movie reviews and gossip?  Can you write off movie tickets, blu-rays, etc?  

yeah heard once that a stripper sued and won a case against IRS for breast implant deduction. But yes, is the stress worth it?

I don't think you can. I thought for maybe a second that you could make a case for Medical expenses, but a gym membership is more of a lifestyle choice. It's kind of like the IRS disallowance of nursing uniforms.  You need clothes to live, so you can't deduct special clothes that you can wear out and about just because your work requires them. Gym memberships aren't mandatory. Plus if they opened that door, anyone who thought about writing a few posts on working out could deduct that cost. 

Michelle – My gut tells me your employer is wrong about that. As with charitable deductions, I would guess the IRS would analyze this in terms of what personal benefit you get out of the membership.  Also, they could technically say you don't necessarily need a membership to write those posts. 

It's needs to be "ordinary AND Necessary" for you line of business. 

Joe: For your blog, no, do not deduct it. You would lose in an audit because it is not ordinary for a finance blog to write off a gym membership as required for their business. If you had a dedicated fitness blog based on workouts at a gym, then yes.

Justin: Overseas travel if you own a travel blog. If not, then no.

As always, consult YOUR tax professional to confirm with state and federal laws and such.

Reference: HERE

Or, you could just start your own gym – then you could deduct everything!! 

Khaleef @ KNS Financial said:

I have the same question, since I have a fitness/weight loss blog and I joined a gym this year. I'm still trying to decide if I want to risk an audit over it.

Khaleef I would put you in a category that could claim it as you promote it across social media, it is part of your blog/business.