Self-education: What can you claim?

HomeInsights

Self-education: What can you claim? 


The Australian Taxation Office have released a new draft ruling on self-education expenses. We revisit the deductibility of self-education expenses and what you can and can’t claim. 


If you undertake study that is connected to your work you can normally claim your costs of that study as a tax deduction - assuming your employer has not already picked up your expenses. There is also no limit to the value of the deduction you can claim. While this all sounds great and very encouraging there are still issues to consider before claiming your Harvard graduate degree, accommodation, and flights as a self-education expense.


Clients are often surprised by what cannot be claimed. Self-education expenses are not deductible if you are undertaking the education to obtain a new job or something not connected to how you earn your income now. Take the example of a nurse’s aide who attendees university to qualify as a registered nurse.


The university degree and the expenses associated with degree are not deductible as the nursing degree is not sufficiently connected to their current role as a nurse’s aide.



Get started.

Since everyone's needs are different, we'll build a package and quote for the level of protection best suited to you.


CONTACT US CONTACT US



How often should I review my loans? 

Experts generally recommend checking the health of your home loan each year to make sure it remains the right fit.


Superannuation Unpacked

With over $13 BILLION dollars in unclaimed super across Australia, it’s evident that many are not even really sure on how super works. Our expert financial advisors want to give you back control over your money.


Blizzard of Tax Changes Ahead

Accountants have emerged from the pandemic into a blizzard of changes and keeping clients up to date risks a backlash over tighter compliance rules and increased fees.


Successful Succession Planning For Business

ONLINE WEBINAR
23 February 2023 // 12:30pm
In our upcoming webinar we'll be diving into some common exit strategies for successful succession planning, the pros and cons, and what you need to consider before making a decision.


5 tax deductions for property investors worth almost $60,000

Property depreciation is a tax deduction that investors can take advantage of to save money on their tax bills over a long period of time.


Should you pay cash or finance a new car?

When determining whether you should pay all cash or look to finance the car is always going to be based on your personal situation.


5 Stages of Property Settlement

The process begins when the sale contract is signed and officially concludes on settlement day.


5 Ways First Home Buyers Can Qualify For A Loan

Rising interest rates and sky-high property prices have made homeownership tougher for first time buyers.


Things to consider before investing in regional areas.

With strong capital growth and tight vacancy rates driving up rents, more and more investors have been looking to regional areas.


What can you do with your home equity?

With home prices rising substantially over the past decade, homeowners are often sitting on a large amount of equity that they could use for other things.


How to Add Users to Your Xero Account


How To Upload Documents to Hubdoc


Publishing Hubdoc Bills in Xero


4 Asset Finance Mistakes

If you’re looking to purchase business equipment, vehicles or just looking to better manage your short-term cash requirements, asset finance can be a big advantage.


Identifying Your Top Income Clients in Xero


Service stations not under threat from electric vehicles

Service stations were some of the strongest performing assets, with transactions up 50 per cent during 2022.


How To Reconcile Personal Transactions in Xero


How To Process Refunds in Xero


What Account To Use in Xero and When


Industrial rent growth begins to slow down

The record run of industrial rent growth is finally showing its first signs of easing after posting a 23 per cent rise in 2022.


When and How to Use Bank Rules in Xero


Understanding Tax Rates in Xero and When To Use Them


How To Look Up Your Gross Profit Margin in Xero


How To Look Up Your Profit in Xero


How To Process Subcontractor Super in Xero


Bank Reconciliations: How To Process Split & Part Payments in Xero


How good is ChatGPT at tax?

The latest innovation to take the world by storm is ChatGPT, and its ability to work with the Australian tax system.


The ATOs final position on risky trust distributions

The ATO has released its final position on how it will apply some integrity rules dealing with trust distributions.


Is ‘downsizing’ worth it? 

From 1 January 2023, those 55 and over can make a ‘downsizer’ contribution to superannuation.


Small Business in 2023

The downside of not taking time out for your strategy is that there is a tendency to keep a short-term. Sometimes in the process, this short-term focus undermines longer term value and returns.


Refinancing your SMSF

SMSF loan is the possibility of getting a better interest rate to save more money. You could save thousands more if you refinance to a lower rate SMSF loan.


The Borrowers Guide to First Home Buying

Buying your first home can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. We have provided this guide to assist you in preparing for the home buying journey and we will be here with you, every step of the way.


The Borrowers Guide to Construction Loans

Our Borrowers Guide to Construction Loan has been designed to assist you gain a better understanding of how the lending process works for building and construction.
The amount you can borrow will depend on several factors and is another reason why it is important to engage your Mortgage Broker in the process before you are wanting to buy land or build.


The Borrowers Guide to Lending

Our Borrowers Guide to Lending has been designed to assist you gain a better understanding of how the lending process works.
The mortgage process can be overwhelming and confusing at times, but when you understand the basic process, you will be much more prepared.


Is it time to rebalance how your super is invested?

Rebalancing is a clever way to keep your superannuation fund investments in order.


How to upsize your super with a downsizer contribution

The good news is that you may be able to use some of your home equity to boost your super and help fund your life in retirement.


Is there a silver lining to falling property prices?

Falling property prices and rent hikes mean the average income earned from residential property has risen.


Xero STP Phase 2 Payroll: How To Guide

ONLINE Webinar
19 January 2023 @ 12:30 - 1:30pm
Phase 2 STP will be the compulsory way to process Xero payroll as of March 2023.


SMART Life - Issue 11: Summer 2023

Increasing gross rental yields. Falling property prices combined with rent hikes means the average income earned from residential property, as a percentage of property values, has risen.


Shannon Smit wins SMSF Adviser of the Year

Smart Business Solutions chief executive Shannon Smit, winner of SMSF Adviser of the Year award, talks about the evolution of her business and shares her insights on complex SMSF planning issues.

Women In Finance SMSF Adviser of the Year

Women In Finance SMSF Adviser of the Year


STP Phase 2: Pay Item Transition

This video offers a Xero how-to on the latest details of the compulsory STP (Single Touch Payroll) Phase 2 rollout including Pay Item Transition.


Xero STP Phase 2: Leave Transition

This video offers a Xero how-to on the latest details of the compulsory STP (Single Touch Payroll) Phase 2 rollout including Leave Transitions.


Xero STP Phase 2: Employee Transition

Changes are coming about how you manage Xero payroll with Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2. This video explains how to manage Employee Transition in STP Phase 2.


Summer selling appeal

Summer is a great time to list and a sell a home as buyers have been thinking about property over the summer.


Managing money as a couple

When new couples start living together one of the first things they need to consider is how they will manage their finances.


Consolidate your debts after Christmas

A great way to deal with the post-Christmas financial hangover is to look at different ways to consolidate your debts.


How to hit your financial goals in the new year

Giving peace of mind and a sense of direction and calm is one of the greatest gifts that we feel privileged to offer our clients.


4 ways to boost your SMEs cash flow in 2023

Getting a good grasp of your business’s cash flow situation will help put you in a strong financial position.


The office market continues to bounce back

Commercial office assets represented 34.2 percent of all commercial property sales during 2022, up from 27.2 percent last year.


Top Commercial Property Projections for 2023

The commercial property sector continues to grow. 2023 is shaping up well with a range of opportunities for investors.

Related News

20 Apr

The Power of Tax Planning for Small Business

Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.


READ MORE READ MORE
20 Apr

Your 2026 EOFY Game Plan

Smart and strategic tax planning for business.


READ MORE READ MORE
1 Apr

Tax Return - Items To Consider

To maximise your deductions and ensure that your tax return is complete, please review the following items and advise your Accountant if any apply to you.


READ MORE READ MORE