Private ruling: Work related expenses- self-education
Date of advice: 21 August 2019
Published: October 2019
Ruling period: Year ending 30 June 20XX | Year ending 30 June 20XX | Year ending 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 20XX

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. Obtaining a loan for all or part of the fees for the course under FEE-HELP does not preclude you from claiming a deduction for the expenses incurred in relation to the course. Further information about self-education expenses can be found by searching 'QC 31970' on ato.gov.au. You can also refer to ATO ID 2005/26 Income Tax Deductions: self- education - course fees paid from FEE-HELP loan funds.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You are a lawyer employed as a General Counsel and Compliance Officer. You will stay employed in this role during the ruling period. You will enrol in a part time Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Melbourne Business School. You expect to complete the MBA within three years. You will complete seven core subjects during the first year including: · Leadership · Social Responsibility and Ethics · Data Analysis · Financial Accounting · Financial Management · Managerial Economics and, · Managing People. You will complete two more core subjects which will finalise the first half of the study. You will then complete the remaining two core subjects, along with seven business related electives. Your employer supports your desire to continue your professional development through studying an MBA. Your employer has advised that the MBA will further enhance your skills and knowledge to add greater value and support to the business in your current role. It will also develop your potential to further your career towards a more senior role within the organisation. You will be using FEE-HELP to pay for the tuition fees.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 8-1 | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 26-20