Private ruling: Self-education expenses
Date of advice: 31 August 2021
Published: November 2021
Ruling period: Financial year ending 30 June 20XX | Financial year ending 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: X July 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to a deduction for self-education expense for your Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) program? | 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: In November 20XX you commenced employment with ABC Pty Ltd. You previously graduated from university with a Master of Professional Accounting. You are currently employed as an Assistant Accountant (full time). In your role you are required to prepare individual and company tax returns and financial statements. On X July 20XX you commenced a Certified Practising Accountant program with CPA Australia. The program provides candidates with a deep understanding of the issues that organisations face every day. The CPA Program includes four compulsory subjects, two electives and an experience component. The compulsory subjects include: Your intention for undertaking the CPA program is to enhance your skills and knowledge that will assist you in your current role at ABC Pty Ltd and is likely to lead to promotion and an increase in income. You will be able to work on more difficult accounting and taxation issues. The program is directly related to your employment as it will enable you achieve more responsibility, more pay and more opportunities. You are not undertaking the course to obtain new employment. Your employer supports your ambition to undertake the CPA program. You do not receive Austudy, ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance to study. You do not receive a taxable bonded scholarship. You do not receive an allowance or reimbursement for the expenses incurred in relation to this course. You will incur the following costs relating to the CPA program: • Tuition fee for each subject ($X per unit) • CPA Membership fee ($X per year) • Home office running expense • Stationery and home office equipment You intend to complete the CPA program by XX 20XX.

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


Learn how to apply ethical principles and the key corporate governance concepts and mechanisms. | We'll teach you how to apply accounting standards, interpret financial reports, and understand their business impacts. | Strategic Management Accounting | Learn how management accounting provides the data critical to business decision making processes. This subject progresses to cover the role of the management accountant in business strategy. | Global Strategy and Leadership | In the capstone subject, you'll use strategic analysis to address complex business issues in a competitive and uncertain business environment.