| Disclaimer 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 private advice
Authorisation Number: 1052045676935
Date of advice: 19 October 2022
Ruling
Subject: Self-education expenses
Question
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?
Answer
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.
This ruling applies for the following periods:
Year ending 30 June 20XX
Year ending 30 June 20XX
The scheme commences on:
1 July 20XX
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