Private ruling: Self-education expenses
Date of advice: 14 May 2024
Published: 9 September 2024
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: XX XX 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to a deduction for self-education expenses incurred under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997)? | A1: Yes. Having considered your circumstances and the relevant factors, you are entitled to a deduction for your expenses under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 . Further information on the Commissioner's view can be found in Taxation Ruling (TR) 2024/3 Income tax: deductibility of self-education expenses incurred by an individual . Information on self-education expenses you can claim, including how to calculate your claim, can be found on our website ato.gov.au by entering QC 72166 into the search bar at the top right of the page.

Relevant facts and circumstances: In XX 20XX you commenced working part-time as physiotherapist for Company A. To progress in your career as a physiotherapist in sport you were required to undertake a master's degree in sports physiotherapy. On XX XX 20XX you commenced a Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy degree with a University. You expect to complete your degree in XX 20XX. Since commencing the course, you have received a promotion in XX 20XX. You now work an increased number of hours with the Company A, leading to an increase in pay. You promotion has given you a greater responsibility and autonomy in player injury assessment and management. In XX 20XX you commenced working for Company B. Your employer strongly encourages and supports your continued studies by paying a small portion of your tuition fees. The portion of your tuition fees you received as a reimbursement from your employer are not deductible and you will need to take to this into account when reporting the deduction. Your employer also allows flexibility in your work hours for part of the year to facilitate continued study. Once you have completed your degree you hope to further increase your hours and progress to a full-time position with Company A. You have gained employment (and resigned from) multiple clinics as a sports-based physiotherapist from 20XX until the current year. You have been employed by Company A for the entirety of that time.

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