Tax deduction for gym membership?

[Metasomatized Ijolite]

My employer offers a flexible spending account where you can have health care expenses taken out before taxes. The info I received said that in some cases a gym membership counts as a health care expense. My doctor told me to start exercising again. I'm wondering if that's enough to make it tax deductible.

 

[Smurfy]

You should check with your employer.

 

[needtogetarmy]

Smart move.

 

[Whiskey]

Sorta related, but not....

Through my employer insurance, I am supposed to get a discount at the gym. So after I got the alleged discounted price from my employer, I went to the gym that it is at and inquired about a membership. They quoted me $8 less a month than what my company website listed. Ummmmm.... wtf.

So I called up my insurance company and told them about it, they said that isn't possible. I told them I just went in and how much they offered me. My insurance company told my that the gym is lying, that it is cheaper with the insurance discount.

Half hour later, I still couldn't get it in their head that they either they are getting scammed, or that they are trying to scam us. Insurance company just kept saying that I couldn't get it cheaper than what they offer.... Was like talking to a door

Whiskey

 

[Whiskey]

Oh yeah, and I want to know about this as well. My job requires me to be in decent physical shape. Since it is a reqiurement, it would make sense that I could deduct gym dues from my taxes

Whiskey

 

[ceo]

My employer offers a flexible spending account where you can have health care expenses taken out before taxes. The info I received said that in some cases a gym membership counts as a health care expense. My doctor told me to start exercising again. I'm wondering if that's enough to make it tax deductible.

I would imagine that if you get this in a note from your doctor, it would be an allowable FSA expense, and you would be reimbursed. Check with the FSA administrator.

 

[mustang_00]

can i deduct cigarette's as a work expense cause they temporarily relieve me of stress/chokin someone out!?

 

[toebang]

We have that same flexible spending option at my work. I decided to put a couple of gls into this program for this year which turned out to be a sizeable chunck out of each check. I figured if anything, it'd be like a little savings account and I'd just get my money back at the end of the year. Wrong! Whatever portion you don't use is lost. I have like 85% of my contribution unused so far.

 

[ceo]

We have that same flexible spending option at my work. I decided to put a couple of gls into this program for this year which turned out to be a sizeable chunck out of each check. I figured if anything, it'd be like a little savings account and I'd just get my money back at the end of the year. Wrong! Whatever portion you don't use is lost. I have like 85% of my contribution unused so far.

Any copays, uncovered medical expenses, OTC medications (allergy/cold/cinus meds, aspirin, etc.) are eligible. Some FSA's offer a credit/debit card also with MC/Visa logo so you can use it at the drugstore or online to purchase eligible items.

Drugstore.com has items that are FSA eligible tagged. You can get things like Ace bandages, heat and ice packs, etc. Any stuff like Lasik surgery is covered. Most cosmetic dental procedures, etc. should be covered.

Chiropractic services are covered, and everyone should be getting adjusted, especially if you are constantly putting your spine under heavy loads (lifting weights). Go buy a package at a chiro for 30 or 40 visits. Pay up front and you should get them at $30 or so a visit. Many chiros also offer massage and some may allow you to use the FSA card to pay for massage too (which you should also be doing regularly). It is a good plan if you know how to use it.

I just gave you several ways to use up all the money you have in that account.

 

[Dial_tone]

I'm thinkin about using my FSA for blood tests.