Mental Illness and Gym Memberships as a tax deduction
SO!
I finally out how to deduct my gym fees.
Turns out, if you have crippling mental illness in which physical activity has been scientifically proven to improve your symptoms, you can write it off as a health expense.
I know that I go to the gym not only for my job, but because if I don't get the fuck out of bed and start moving, I'll be stuck there all day.
You must have your Doctor write out the order, including what your illness is, why the doctor believes it will improve your symptoms, and for how long the doctor recommends it (I would probably say until the end of the year).
Voila!
Re: Mental Illness and Gym Memberships as a tax deduction
Yes, and maybe no. You are correct, if you have a prescription for a gym, it may be deductible.
But, there are some major limits to be observed. First, you must itemize your deductions. That means, you cannot use the standard deduction. Second, you may only medical expenses that exceed ten (10) percent of your adjusted gross income. Here is a tool to help you decide if and how much of your medical expenses are deductible: https://www.irs.gov/uac/Can-I-Deduct...al-Expenses%3F
HTH
Z
Re: Mental Illness and Gym Memberships as a tax deduction
Yes, I know that it must be at least ten percent and I do itemize. I was just sharing, as I know you are too.
Happy taxes, everyone! LOL
Re: Mental Illness and Gym Memberships as a tax deduction
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zofia
Yes, and maybe no. You are correct, if you have a prescription for a gym, it may be deductible.
But, there are some major limits to be observed. First, you must itemize your deductions. That means, you cannot use the standard deduction. Second, you may only medical expenses that exceed ten (10) percent of your adjusted gross income. Here is a tool to help you decide if and how much of your medical expenses are deductible:
https://www.irs.gov/uac/Can-I-Deduct...al-Expenses%3F
HTH
Z
Thank you Zofia for your reply. It was short and to the point. I am continually amazed at the number of people who assume that the tax advice they received from a friend or coworker is correct and never do the research to verify the statement. After 33 years of tax preparation experience I still research deductions and tax treatments that I do not have current experience with. I read your replies in this forum all the time because they are concise, to the point, and correct.
Re: Mental Illness and Gym Memberships as a tax deduction
Quote:
Originally Posted by
zerorg
Thank you Zofia for your reply. It was short and to the point. I am continually amazed at the number of people who assume that the tax advice they received from a friend or coworker is correct and never do the research to verify the statement. After 33 years of tax preparation experience I still research deductions and tax treatments that I do not have current experience with. I read your replies in this forum all the time because they are concise, to the point, and correct.
Thanks, zerorg. I don't have your level of experience, that's for sure. So I really appreciate the vote of confidence.
XOXO
Z
Re: Mental Illness and Gym Memberships as a tax deduction
Cool! Good to know. On the same token, YMCA has voucher programs and discounts for families & elderly.