End of Financial Year Tax Advice for Fitness Industry Workers
As the end of the financial year approaches, fitness professionals should start preparing for tax time to ensure they claim all eligible deductions correctly. Understanding what you can and cannot claim is essential for maximising your tax return while remaining compliant with ATO guidelines.
This guide outlines common EOFY tax deductions for fitness workers, including personal trainers, gym instructors, coaches, and fitness business owners. Not every deduction will apply to everyone, but this checklist will help you identify areas worth reviewing before lodging your return.
Travel and Meal Expenses
In most cases, you cannot claim the cost of travelling from home to work. However, there are limited exceptions.
You may be able to claim travel expenses if:
You are required to transport bulky fitness equipment and there is no secure storage available at your workplace
You travel between multiple workplaces, such as between gyms or client locations
Eligible travel costs can include public transport, taxis, or vehicle expenses.
If you use your own car for work purposes, you can generally choose between:
The cents-per-kilometre method (up to the annual limit), or
The logbook method, which requires detailed records of all vehicle expenses and a 12-week logbook
Meal expenses are only deductible when you are required to work away from home overnight or for extended periods. Ordinary meals during a regular workday are not claimable.
Clothing and Protective Gear
You may be able to claim clothing expenses if the items are:
A compulsory uniform with a clearly visible logo, or
Protective items required for your role
General fitness clothing such as shorts, leggings, singlets, trainers, and socks are not deductible, even if worn exclusively at work.
However, if you conduct outdoor training sessions, you may be able to claim:
Sun-protection hats
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
These items must be used specifically to protect you while performing your work duties.
Fitness Equipment and Tools
Fitness professionals may be entitled to claim equipment used for work purposes.
For employees:
Equipment costing under $300 may be claimed as an immediate deduction
Items over $300 must generally be depreciated over their effective life
For business owners or sole traders:
Eligible assets may qualify for the instant asset write-off, subject to current thresholds and eligibility rules
Assets must be installed and ready for use before the claim is made
If equipment is used for both work and personal training, only the work-related portion can be claimed.
Education and Professional Development
You may be able to claim education and training costs if they:
Relate directly to your current role, and
Are not reimbursed by your employer
Claimable expenses may include:
Course fees (e.g. university or TAFE programs linked to your role)
Professional development workshops and industry events
Online learning platforms and continuing education courses
Study-related travel, textbooks, and stationery
Courses undertaken to enter the fitness industry, such as entry-level certifications, are generally not deductible.
Other Work-Related Expenses
Additional deductions that may apply include:
Professional memberships and industry subscriptions
Work-related books, journals, apps, and online resources
Equipment hire costs
The work-related portion of mobile phone usage
Make sure usage is apportioned correctly between work and personal use.
Getting Your Tax Return Right
Getting your tax return right starts with understanding which deductions genuinely apply to your role and ensuring every claim is properly supported by records. Fitness professionals often face increased ATO scrutiny due to the nature of their work, making accuracy and compliance especially important. By reviewing your expenses carefully, keeping clear documentation, and seeking professional advice where needed, you can lodge your return with confidence and reduce the risk of errors, adjustments, or penalties at tax time.
