What Personal Trainers Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for personal trainers. Remember the three rules: you spent the money yourself, it's directly related to earning your income, and you have records to prove it.
| Common Deductions for Personal Trainers |
|---|
| Equipment (resistance bands, mats, weights — depreciate if over $300) |
| Fitness certifications and CPD |
| Registration (Fitness Australia, AUSactive) |
| Insurance (professional indemnity, public liability) |
| Branded uniforms and workout gear (if employer-branded) |
| Phone (client management) |
| Music streaming (if used during sessions) |
| First aid certification |
Average Claim
The typical personal trainer claims around $1,600 in work-related deductions per year. If your claim is significantly above this, make sure your records are bulletproof — the ATO data-matches your claim against others in your occupation.
Watch Out
Your own gym membership is a grey area. If you need to access a gym to train clients and it's not provided by your employer, a portion may be deductible. But personal fitness is never deductible.
How to Claim
Report your deductions at Item D1 (work-related expenses) in your tax return. Use myTax or a tax agent. Keep receipts for 5 years. For items under $300, you get an instant deduction. For items over $300 (laptops, tools), you depreciate them over their effective life.
The $300 No-Receipt Rule
You can claim up to $300 in total work-related expenses without receipts. But the ATO can still ask you to show how you calculated the amount. This is a total across ALL categories — not $300 per item.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can personal trainers claim on tax?
Common deductions for personal trainers include: equipment (resistance bands, mats, weights — depreciate if over $300), fitness certifications and cpd, registration (fitness australia, ausactive), insurance (professional indemnity, public liability), and more. The average claim is around $1,600.
Do I need receipts?
For claims totalling over $300 in work-related expenses, yes. Keep all receipts for 5 years from the date you lodge your return. Digital copies are accepted.
How much do personal trainers usually claim?
The average personal trainer claims about $1,600 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.