Starting January 1, 2025, a new tax benefit will be in effect in Russia for citizens who successfully pass the GTO standards. These Russians will be exempt from paying a portion of the personal income tax (PIT), which currently stands at 13%. GTO stands for "Ready for Labor and Defense." It is a physical training program for citizens of all ages. The program includes several stages, and after successfully completing them, one can receive a bronze, silver, or gold badge. The GTO complex was first introduced in the 1930s. In modern Russia, the program has been implemented since 2014. How to Get a Badge Anyone can pass the standards, from a first-grader to a retiree. The older the age, the more steps (stages) in the program: children have 6, adults have 12, and the elderly have 18. The program includes various exercises for endurance, strength, speed, and agility. For example, running, skiing, push-ups, pull-ups, shot put, and kettlebell lifting. A mandatory condition before passing the GTO is having a health certificate. It is issued by an educational institution or clinic. The standards can be met at one of the testing centers; at the beginning of 2024, there were more than 2,500 such centers. Each exercise is given one attempt, and one year is allowed for completing all the tests. Tax Deduction 18,000 rubles of income earned in 2023 will be exempt from tax. At a 13% PIT rate, the refund amount will be 2,340 rubles. Those who have completed the GTO standards for the first time or have successfully passed them again will be able to take advantage of the deduction. The introduction of tax benefits for passing the GTO standards was first announced by President Vladimir Putin during his address to the Federal Assembly in the winter of 2024. According to the head of state, the authorities want to encourage Russians who engage in sports.