Private ruling: Work related expenses - self-education
Date of advice: 1 February 2022
Published: April 2022
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Can you claim a deduction for the course costs of a Masters of Business? | A1: Yes. In your situation we are satisfied that you have a genuine desire and need to maintain or improve your skills and knowledge in your current role. The course undertaken is designed to improve your skills in this field. The course undertaken is useful to your employment and has sufficient nexus with your employment duties as to justify deductibility. Consequently, your self-education expenses for the course are sufficiently connected to your employment. The costs are therefore deductible under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997).

Relevant facts and circumstances: You commenced studying a Masters of Business in July 20XX. You will finish the course by 30 June 20XX. You are undertaking this course to improve your understanding of various subjects that are related to your current role. Your employer supports you undertaking the course by allowing flexible working hours. You will incur half yearly tuition fees relating to this course. You will not utilise a HELP loan to pay for the course fees.

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