I have to pay the gym I train out of a percentage of each session, can this be written off as rent?

Hi Domenic,

the percentage that you pay to a gym can be considered equipment rental.

It is rather strange that your clients have to pay the gym which in turn pays you. That is not consistent with the status of an independent contractor.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

This is similar to the way the Government utilizes contractors. You may want to read the following article to ensure you are documenting everything appropriately in case you get audited.

http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/surviving-a-tax-audit

Hello Domenic Micheli,

To be safest, I would contact the tax office/preparer in the area.
If the gym is paying you as you explain, how is that considered rent?
Now, if the clients pay you, then you turn over part of your earnings to the gym, that is a different story.
Take care.

Hello Domenic,
I would refer you to your accountant/tax advisor when in doubt.

Sincerely,
Michael

Natalie, Josh, Karin, Michael,
Thanks for your input I appreciate it very much. I know this situation is a bit odd.

A few details, I have brought all of my clients to this gym, none were given to me.

I have no benefits.

I do not have to follow any guidelines about how to train.

I am not reimbursed for anything.

After reading a bit about independent contractors I think I will either be able to claim this as a write off, OR I am being misclassified by my employer and am actually an employee. I will take the advice given by you guys and seek out a tax professional.

Thanks again!