Private ruling: Work-related expenses - self-education
Date of advice: 9 September 2022
Published: November 2022
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 2020 | Year ended 30 June 2021 | Year ended 30 June 2022
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2019

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to a deduction for the self-education expenses incurred for your Master in Business Administration (MBA)? | 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 were employed as a Product Owner who was responsible for the broader vision and strategy related to the product they are looking after and play an important role in leading a team. You had a number of direct and indirect reports in this role. You sought alternative employment and commenced a new role as a manager. In this role, you were responsible for leading a team of analysts to deploy new products and services and identify, design for and deploy business improvement initiatives for better customer and employee outcomes. You were a direct report for multiple employees. You changed roles again and became a Management Consultant. Your role includes assisting organisations deliver successful outcomes for some of the world's largest and most complex systems. Your key responsibilities include: ● Diverse toolkit with a balance of traditional management and innovative solutions ● Assist clients with successful delivery of their programs leading to service delivery improvements and/or successful investment outcomes ● Deliver complex transformation programs spanning the entire lifecycle - from strategy through to transition into operations ● Contribute to business development and account management activities such as pursuits, proposals and managing key relationships You enrolled in a MBA while you were employed as a Product Owner. The subjects undertaken as part of the MBA include: ● Leadership ● Marketing Management ● Managing People & Organisations ● Project Management ● Strategic Management ● Social Impact ● Data Analytics & Decision Making You have not received an allowance, payment or scholarship while undertaking the course. You have paid the course fees up-front.

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