Private ruling: Income tax – deductions - self-education expenses
Date of advice: 16 January 2019
Published: May 2019
Ruling period: Financial year ended 30 June 2017
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2016

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to a deduction of self-education expenses under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 for the 20XX financial year? | A1: Yes. The Commissioner is satisfied that there is a sufficient connection between the skills and knowledge required in your current position as an associate lecturer and the Masters of XXXX course that you have studied. Accordingly you are entitled to a deduction for the costs associated with the course for the financial year ending 20XX.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You studied a Masters of XXXX (the course). You studied through a university from 20XX to 20XX. The total cost of the course was $XXXXX You deferred payment of the amount with FEE-HELP. Since August 20XX you have been a full time employee as an Associate Lecturer at a university. Your duties include: ● tutoring students ● subject coordinator of several subjects ● Writing and presenting lectures You were encouraged and supported by your employer to complete your course. You are now a subject coordinator. Completing this course allows you to apply for a promotion to Lecturer; this promotion will lead to an increase in income. Progression to lecturer is only available upon completion of your postgraduate studies.

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