Private ruling: Work related self-education deductions
Date of advice: 14 June 2019
Published: August 2019
Ruling period: Year ending 30 June 2020
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2019

Ruling: Q1: Are your self-education expenses deductible? | A1: Yes. Your self-education expenses are deductible, as it is accepted the study meets the requirements detailed in Taxation Ruling TR 98/9. Further information about self-education expenses can be found by searching 'QC 31970' on ato.gov.au

Relevant facts and circumstances: You are employed in senior position This role encompasses various duties directly related to the specified course. You plan to enrol in a course which should be completed over a number months. Your employer has provided a letter in support of your course stating the course will increase your knowledge and skill base utilised in the completion of your day to day duties.

Relevant legislative provisions: Section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997)

Reasons for decision: Summary: Section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 allows a deduction for all losses and outgoings to the extent to which they are incurred in gaining or producing assessable income except where the outgoings are of a capital, private or domestic nature, or relate to the earning of exempt income. Taxation Ruling TR 98/9 Income tax: deductibility of self-education expenses incurred by an employee or a person in business, discusses the circumstances under which self-education expenses are allowable as a deduction. A deduction is allowable for self-education expenses if a taxpayer's current income-earning activities are based on the exercise of a skill or some specific knowledge and the subject of the self-education enables the taxpayer to maintain or improve that skill or knowledge ( Federal Commissioner of Taxation v. Finn (1961) 106 CLR 60, (1961) 12 ATD 348). In your case, it is accepted that the course will maintain or enhance the skills that are required in the performance of your current employment duties. Consequently the self-education expenses incurred have the necessary and relevant connection with the earning of your assessable income and are therefore deductible.