Private ruling: Income tax - self-education expenses
Date of advice: 2 September 2020
Published: October 2020
Ruling period: Financial year ending 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: 13 September 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to a deduction for self-education expenses? | A1: Yes. Your self-education expenses are deductible, as it is accepted the study meets the requirements detailed in Taxation Ruling TR 98/9. Further information about self-education expenses can be found by searching 'QC 31970' on ato.gov.au

Relevant facts and circumstances: You commenced a Graduate Program at Company ABC in 20XX. The 18-month graduate program consisted of three rotations of six months each with different teams. In 20XX you started your final six-month rotation of the Graduate Program with Department XYZ. After you completed the Graduate Program you officially commenced a full-time role with Company ABC in 20XX. You started a software course in 20XX. The total cost of the course was $XX. The course helped you improve specific skills and knowledge in your role. You undertook the course to further expand your technical knowledge and programming skills so you can add greater value. The course was a full-time course featuring expert instruction and one-on-one career coaching. Your employer provided a letter stating that the course was part of your development plan and helped you develop knowledge for your day to day work activities. Your employer encouraged you to complete the course and provided flexible working conditions for you to complete it. The course was not a requirement or condition for you to obtain the fulltime position with Company ABC. You finished the course in 20XX. In 20XX you finished your Assistant role and commenced a commenced a new Analyst role. The new role required similar skills to the Assistant Analyst role and allowed you to move into a new pay grade.

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