PHIT Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill would change the Internal Revenue Code to treat certain amounts paid for physical activity, fitness, and exercise as amounts paid for medical care. It defines "qualified sports and fitness expenses" to include fitness facility memberships, participation or instruction in physical exercise or activity, and equipment used in exercise programs. The bill sets rules for what counts as a fitness facility and limits on equipment and apparel. It also sets an annual dollar limit and an effective date.

What it means for you#

If you pay for eligible fitness costs and you claim medical expense deductions under Internal Revenue Code section 213, this bill would allow some of those costs to be treated as medical care. Eligibility depends on the type of expense, where the activity occurs, and the yearly limits the bill sets.

Expenses#

  • Types included: fitness facility memberships; fees for participation or instruction in physical exercise or activity; and equipment used exclusively for a program of physical exercise or physical activity, including exercise videos or books that provide instruction.
  • Annual dollar limits: up to $1,000 per taxpayer, or $2,000 for a joint return or a head of household return.
  • Equipment limits: items must be used exclusively for fitness; apparel or footwear must be necessary for and used only for a specific activity; a single non-exercise equipment item is limited to $250. Travel and accommodations are treated as a separate component when programs include non-exercise elements.
  • Fitness facility rules: facilities must offer instruction or fitness services, not be private member-owned clubs, not offer golf/hunting/sailing/riding, and must comply with applicable anti-discrimination and state requirements.
  • Effective date: applies to taxable years beginning after enactment.

Proponents' View#

The bill states its purpose is to promote health and prevent disease, especially conditions tied to overweight or obesity, by encouraging healthier lifestyles, providing financial incentives to reduce the financial burden of healthy behavior, and increasing families' ability to participate in physical fitness activities.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.