Disclaimer
This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication. It should not be regarded as indicative of the ATO's current views. The law may have changed since original publication, and views in the edited version may also be affected by subsequent precedents and new approaches to the application of the law.

You cannot rely on this record in your tax affairs. It is not binding and provides you with no protection (including from any underpaid tax, penalty or interest). In addition, this record is not an authority for the purposes of establishing a reasonably arguable position for you to apply to your own circumstances. For more information on the status of edited versions of private advice and reasons we publish them, see PS LA 2008/4.

Edited version of your private ruling

Authorisation Number: 1012165630275

Please check this edited version to be sure that there are no details remaining that you think may allow you to be identified. If you have any concerns about this ruling you wish to discuss, you will find our contact details in the fact sheet.

Ruling

Subject: Scholarship income

Question

Is your scholarship income exempt from taxation?

Answer

Yes

This ruling applies for the following period

1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013

The scheme commenced on

1 July 2011

Relevant facts and circumstances

You are enrolled as a full-time student.

You have been awarded a research scholarship for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 financial years.

There are no conditions attached to the scholarship that require you to work for the paying organisation now or into the future.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Item 2.1A of the table in section 51-10.

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 51-35.

Reasons for decision

Subsection 6-5(2) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) provides that the assessable income of a resident taxpayer includes ordinary income derived directly or indirectly from all sources during the income year. However, if an amount is exempt income, it is not included in the assessable income of a taxpayer.

Item 2.1A of the table in section 51-10 of the ITAA 1997 provides that, subject to the exceptions and special conditions contained within section 51-35 of the ITAA 1997, income received by way of a scholarship, bursary, educational allowance or education assistance by a full-time student at a school, college or university is exempt from income tax. 

For the scholarship to be exempt from income tax:

As you satisfy all the above requirements, your scholarship income is exempt from tax.


Copyright notice

© Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia

You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute material on this website as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).