Education Tax Refund

Posted 24 February 2009 - 1:57pm by JB

If you’re eligible for the Education Tax Refund, you could get 50% back on a range of primary and secondary school education expenses.

Eligible education expenses

These are expenses for which you can claim a refund under the ETR. The following are eligible education expenses if they relate directly to the education of the student for whom you are claiming the ETR:

  • laptops, home computers, repair and associated running costs
  • computer-related equipment, such as printers, USB flash drives, as well as disability aids to assist in the use of computer equipment for students with special needs, repair and associated running costs
  • home internet connection, including the costs of establishing and maintaining it
  • computer software – for example, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software
  • school textbooks and other paper-based school learning material, including prescribed textbooks, associated learning materials, study guides and stationery
  • tools of trade, such as tools required to complete a school-based apprenticeship.

The following are not eligible expenses for the ETR:

  • school fees
  • school uniform expenses
  • student attendance at school excursions and camps
  • tutoring costs
  • sporting equipment
  • musical instruments
  • library book fees
  • building levies
  • school subject levies
  • school photos
  • donations
  • tuckshop expenses
  • waiting list fees
  • transport
  • membership fees
  • computer games and consoles.

Comments

Tax refund

by Bob McMullen - 1 Sep 2010 - 10:20am

On 31 August I visited you Bankstown office and had my tax return prepared and submitted. The return was calculated as a refund of $2,511.00 less accounting fee $150 and Boraf Fee $20 and GST of $17. leaving a net refund of $2,324.

Before going to Bankstown I calculated my refund of approx $2,799.

When I went to pick up my refund cheque the ATO had calculated my refund at $2,857.95 and i received a cheque in the amount of $2,505.00. I cannot understand wht the accounting fee was increased from $150 to $300 (plus GST).

There is no reason in the world that the accounting fee was increased by 100%.

I therefor request and addition cheque in the amount of $165.95.within the next seven days.

Should you elect to refuse my request I will be forced to examine other means to recover the money owing to me.

Yours faithfully,

Robert J McMullen