Over 1,600 individuals face fines for sports-related activities in the year 2024
Thousands in Tomsk, Russia Reap Sport Tax Credits
As of May 1, over 1,600 citizens of Tomsk region have received sport tax credits in 2024, recouping 5.9 million rubles; nearly the same amount, 6 million, was returned to accounts in 2025. So far, 1,200 Tomsk residents have taken advantage of these tax breaks, with declared credits amounting to 46.4 million rubles, with 6 million rubles eligible for return. That's according to Yuriy Kurilenco, head of the regional branches of the Federal Tax Service (FTS).
Previously, it had been announced that Russians could start claiming tax credits for sport and fitness expenses as of 2022. It was mentioned that tax credits for fitness services can be granted for activities only at specified sports centers, as both organizations and individual entrepreneurs (IEs) must be part of a special list from the Ministry of Sports.
"The sports tax credit is getting more popular. Since the beginning of the year, tax credits for fitness services have been utilized by 1,200 residents of Tomsk region, with declared credits reaching 46.4 million rubles. The portion eligible for return amounts to 6 million rubles," - stated Kurilenco.
He added that 80 people in 2025 received the sport tax credit through simplified procedures (without submitting a declaration 3-NDFL), confirming expenditures of 2.6 million rubles, with taxes due for refund totaling 333,000 rubles.
In 2024, according to Kurilenco, 1,600 residents of the region received the sport tax credit. They claimed credits totaling 45.3 million rubles, with 5.9 million rubles returned to citizens' accounts, representing a 2-fold increase compared to 2023.
Kurilenco reminded that starting in 2025 (for expenses incurred in 2024), a simplified application process will apply when filing for a sports tax credit, requiring only the submission of a receipt for fitness services. Documents proving expenses for tax credit claims up to 2024 include a fitness center contract and cash register receipts. However, the conditions for NDFL refunds for sport activities include: the organization providing these services must be included in the Ministry of Sports' list.
"In 2022, 30 organizations and IEs in Tomsk were part of the list, but that number has increased to 35 for 2024. The main reason for a sports organization's exclusion from the list is non-compliance with the necessary conditions. For an organization or IE, it's important to have employment relationships with employees, a staff roster, and most importantly, trainers must have at least a vocational education, or they must have undergone official re-education courses," - emphasized Kurilenco.
It's worth noting that, in general, for organizations to be eligible for sports tax credits, they typically need to be registered and accredited by relevant authorities, meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Ministry, go through an application process, and comply with tax laws. Consulting directly with the Ministry of Sport's local office in Tomsk or relevant government resources will provide precise requirements.
- In 2025, 80 Tomsk residents availed the simplified procedure for the sport tax credit, receiving a refund of 333,000 rubles for fitness expenses amounting to 2.6 million rubles.
- The amount of personal-finance benefits claimed by Tomsk residents increased 2-fold in 2024, with 1,600 residents receiving credit worth 45.3 million rubles, and 5.9 million rubles returned to their accounts.
- For personal-finance reasons, financial business is booming in Tomsk, with over 1,600 citizens receiving sport tax credits in 2024 and 1,200 more claiming credits in 2025, with a total of 80.4 million rubles in claimed credits.
- As of 2025, 35 fitness centers in Tomsk, Russia meet the Ministry of Sports' criteria to offer fitness services eligible for the sport tax credit, making it easier for Tomsk residents to claim their 2024 expenses for personal-finance relief.
