Private ruling: Self-education deductions
Date of advice: 19 June 2017
Published: October 2017
Ruling period: Year Ending 30 June 20XX | Year Ending 30 June 20YY | Year Ending 30 June 20ZZ
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 20WW

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to a deduction for the self-education expenses incurred in undertaking a Masters Degree ? | A1: Yes Taxation Ruling TR 98/9 Income tax’ deductibility of self-education expenses incurred by an employee or a person in business considers allowable self-education expenses. After considering your facts we accept that the study has sufficient connection to your current employment. Therefore your self-education expenses including tuition fees and travel expense are an allowable deduction under section 8-1 of the ITAA 1997.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You have been currently employed full time in your current field by your current employer for X years. Your current employer has encouraged you to undertake further study and has offered personal development days (paid leave) as of the new financial year 20XX/20YY. You commenced a Master’s Degree through a University. The Masters Degree subjects have been identified to directly relate to your current job role. You are incurring costs including university course fees, transport costs, accommodation and stationery/laptop expenses.

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