Private ruling: Self education expenses
Date of advice: 13 September 2023
Published: 30 October 2023
Ruling period: Year ended DD MM 20YY
Date scheme commenced: DD MM 20YY

Ruling: Q1: Would you be precluded from claiming study expenses under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) (ITAA) because you used a FEE-HELP loan? | A1: No. You are entitled to a deduction for course fees that have a relevant connection to your income-earning activities under Section 8-1 of the ITAA 1997 regardless of if the fees were paid under FEE-HELP. This is set out in ATOID 2005/26 Deductions: self education - course fees paid from FEE-HELP loan funds .

Relevant facts and circumstances: You currently work as a professional. In the relevant income year, you undertake a course of education. You incurred study fees to undertake your course of education. The study fees were paid under FEE-HELP.

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