Private ruling: Self-education expenses
Date of advice: 7 November 2019
Published: January 2020
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 2018 | Year ended 30 June 2019 | Year ended 30 June 2020
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2017

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. You must reduce your claim by any amount that may be reimbursed by your employer. Further information about self-education expenses can be found by searching 'QC 31970' on ato.gov.au

Relevant facts and circumstances: You enrolled in a Master of Business Administration with an accounting major. You work in construction management as a contracts administrator. This role manages the procurement and cost management (project accounting) of construction projects. Starting in early 2018, in order to progress your career in this field, accelerate your learning and career development, to gain the qualified experience and subsequent accounting accreditation with your post graduate accounting qualification, and to further your skills in cost management in construction, you chose to follow the accounting major path (MBA M Professional accounting). On one occasion you received a work based scholarship which was a one off payment. You were required to show a receipt to prove you paid the money on university fees. Your course fees are paid via a HELP loan. You are not in a Commonwealth supported place. You have incurred expenses for books, stationery and course fees.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 8-1