Private ruling: Self-education expenses
Date of advice: 27 October 2017
Published: March 2018
Ruling period: 30 June 2017
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2016

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to claim a deduction for your self-educated expenses? | A1: Yes Having considered your circumstances and the relevant factors, you are entitled to a deduction for your fees under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Further information on the Commissioner’s view can be found in Taxation Ruling 98/9 Income Tax: deductibility of self-education expenses incurred by an employee or person in business. Information generally on self-education expenses including how to calculate your claim can be found on our website ato.gov.au and entering quick code QC31970 into the search bar at the top right of the page.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You have been working in the medical industry since 20XX. In general most doctors spend two to three years practicing as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in a medical facility before commencing to specialist training. While working at a medical facility as a RMO, in 20XX you applied to The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Fellowship program. This period of study commenced in 20XX and completes in 20XX. This program is designed to gain accreditation in general practice education and training as a medical specialist (GP). Once official Fellowship is accredited, you will be entitled as a GP to practice unsupervised anywhere in Australia independently, not only in the public health system, but also in the private health system. You have undertaken this program to maintain and improve your skill and knowledge. Once the program is completed it will enhance your professional standing within this field and objectively lead to a higher income earning capacity. You have incurred a cost.

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