Six Tax Deductions That Are Good for Your Health

Article posted in: Diet & Nutrition

If today’s tax deadline has you stressed—and stress-eating—start planning to pay less in 2016. The government offers lots of deductions that can lower your tax burden—including for things that could make you healthier. Consult your tax professional before betting the farm on these, but here are five tax deductions that are good for your health.

If you’re gluten-free …
You may be able to deduct your gluten-free foods, but only if your doctor says you need to avoid gluten because of celiac disease or another condition. The cost of the gluten-free food then becomes a medical expense and can, according to tax experts, be deducted in some part. According to IRS Publication 502, which outlines medical and dental expenses that can be reimbursed, expenses can be reimbursed if they are more than 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. If you’re gluten-free, you could easily be spending that much on food.

If your doctor tells you to exercise …
You may be able to write off your running shoes or other exercise equipment. You’ll need certification from your doctor proving that she says you’ve got to work out, though—exercising just for “general fitness” isn’t reimbursable, and gym memberships can’t be deducted. Consult a tax pro for the precise documentation you’ll need.

If you ride your bike to work …
You can depreciate it as a business expense. Just as you can depreciate your car or computer or other equipment used for work purposes, the cost of a commuter bike may be able to be partially deductible. Monthly gym passes and one-day health club memberships during business travel may also be deductible. When you’re on the road, hotels, mileage, and meals can be reimbursed in part, and your road workouts—and equipment—may fit the bill as well.

If you run a charity race …
Or play in a charity softball tournament or another active pursuit, your entrance fee is deductible as a charitable donation. And there’s a bonus: If you pay for childcare while you’re there, the babysitting fees may also be deductible as part of your charitable pursuit.

If you train to become a yoga teacher …
It won’t count as medical, but all those classes can be a deductible business expense (the babysitting note from above applies here, too). Another potential business expense: Work-related audio books like Good to Great that you listen to while walking or running.

If you put in a pool …
There’s a slim chance you’ll get a medical write off if you can prove it’s a medical expense. In Publication 502, which outlines reimbursable medical expenses, the IRS says, “You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for special equipment installed in a home, or for improvements, if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse, or your dependent.” So if you can prove that your doctor says you need to exercise—and that you’re using the pool for this medical exercise, not as a place to nurse mai tais—you could deduct it. But consult a tax pro first.