Are they claimable?
Scenario:
My question is regarding personal self-education expenses. For an individual who has paid for their course fees via Fee-Help, are they able to claim those course fees on their tax return?
My initial thought was negative. However, after having a bit more research on this, my understanding now is that tuition fees paid via FEE-HELP can be deducted. For the fees paid via HECS-HELP may not be classified as deductible. Is this correct? All eligibility to claim self-education expenses is satisfied.
Explanation:
Tuition fees paid via FEE-HELP can indeed be deducted. I refer you to the Private Binding Ruling which states that ”provided there is sufficient connection between your course and employment at the time you incurred the expense, the following self-education expenses are allowable tax deductions: tuition fees, including fees payable under FEE-HELP (this does not include expenses paid under HECS-HELP) ”.