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New proposed bill aims to eliminate tax on small TN gyms

Senator Richard Briggs from Knox County said e introduced a bill that would eliminate the tax on health.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A local lawmaker is trying to get rid of a tax placed on small gyms.

Tennessee Senator Richard Briggs, who represents part of Knox County, recently introduced a bill that he said would eliminate the 'fitness tax.'

Some gyms in Tennessee are required to pay taxes on revenue made from memberships and fees on certain taxable exercises and physical activities, including aerobics, yoga, fitness boot camps, and cross training.

That tax is then passed on to consumers in the form of a sales tax, but doesn't apply to larger gyms.

This means gyms smaller than 15,000 square feet like Crossfit and Barre are taxed nearly 10 percent on things like memberships and classes.

Senator Briggs said he would eliminate the tax all-together.

"This would allow more people to be able to go to the gym and workout and try to stay healthy, and work on their obesity and work on their physical conditioning. So this is also trying to eliminate a tax on health," Briggs said. 

The bill has been introduced to both the TN House and Senate. If passed, it would take effect July 1. 

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