Tax Deductions for Fitness Instructors

Average weekly pay:          $1,000 
Employment size:               31,000  
Future growth:                    Very Strong     
Skill level                              Certificate II or III

Fitness instructors provide exercise advice and motivate clients by setting goals, enhancing accountability, and providing feedback. A good fitness instructor will improve their client’s body composition, physical performance, heart condition and health outcomes.

In Australia, fitness instructors can choose to be a member of the two registered bodies, Fitness Australia or Physical Activity Australia. Alternatively, they may choose to work independently with suitable insurance. Their qualification levels include; Level 1 – Certificate III in Fitness, Level 2 – Certificate IV in Fitness and Level 3 – Diploma of Fitness. 

Fitness instructor tasks include:

• Designing individual fitness programmes based on assessment of the client’s age, level of fitness, goals and abilities.
• Delivering group exercise classes and personal tuition in a variety of fitness activities.
• monstrating and teaching body movements and skills used in fitness routines.
• Setting up and monitoring fitness equipment and ensuring that equipment is safe, clean and in working condition.
• Teaching and advising on the use of fitness equipment.
• Ensuring clients adhere to safety and injury prevention procedures.

  Typical tax deductions:

• Motor vehicle expenses whilst on work business. In addition, you can claim deductions for your car expenses from home to work if you carry training equipment that you are required to use at work (as long as there is no secure area provided to leave the equipment on site).
• Sun protection items.
• Training equipment such as weights, mats, bars, sound system, treadmill, etc. Expense each item that costs less than $300, and depreciate the more expensive ones. 
• Travel costs to competitions where the prizes won would be part of your income, or where you are coaching students.
• Compulsory uniforms that have the employer’s logo and are required to be worn while on duty.
• Education expenses at university or TAFE if they relate to your current work and are not reimbursed.
• Music, CDs, audio equipment and exercise videos.
• Telephone, internet and home office.

  Non-deductible expenses:

• Travel for sporting events you attend as a spectator or as a participant unless the travel is undertaken in the course of performing your work duties.
• General exercise clothing including tracksuits, shorts, tank tops, running shoes, sweat socks, arm bands, headbands, and t-shirts.
• Pre-vocational courses such as a Certificate III in Fitness.