Private ruling: Self-education expenses
Date of advice: 19 October 2022
Published: 9 January 2023
Ruling period: Year ending 30 June 20XX | Year ending 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Are the self-education expenses incurred in studying the Master of Civil Engineering deductable under section 8-1 of the Income tax Assessment Act 1997 ? | 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 have completed a bachelor's degree. You began your Master's in Engineering in early 20XX. You intend to finish your course of study in mid 20XX. Subjects covered include business units which will assist in understanding project and design management and engineering units. It will also include a practical component designed to provide real-life work experience. You have accepted a job with your employer that resulted from your experience and your bachelor's degree. You started in mid 20XX and are currently employed with them as a graduate engineer. This was during the second semester of your master's degree. You will take a position with another employer in 20XX. This is an engineering consultant role and will run for X weeks. This position is for work experience and you will return to your current employer. You will stay employed with your employer as a casual employee while working with the new employer but won't work any hours. By completing the course of study, you will become an accredited engineer and receive a promotion from your employer. This promotion will increase your responsibilities in your current income earning activity. The employer is supporting you by allowing you to take leave when you need and giving you a study space for both work and university purposes. You have paid for the course of study with your own money.

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