The Education Tax Refund (ETR) is a new government initiative to help with the education costs for children in primary and secondary school.
The ETR started on 1 July 2008. If eligible you may be able to receive up to $375 for each primary school student and up to $750 for each secondary school student. This is usually claimed through your tax return.
How do I claim?
Click here to find out all you need to know on how to claim the Education Tax Refund.
How does it Work?
If you have spent money on eligible items purchased for primary or secondary school children you could receive 50% of the money back to you (conditions apply). The limit is a maximum refund of $375 on a spend of $750 or more on a primary school child, and $750 on a spend of $1,500 or more on a secondary child.
You are eligible if:
- you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A for a child in primary or secondary school, or
- a payment was made for the child that prevented you from receiving Family Tax A for that child, such as Youth Allowance, or
- your child stopped full-time school during the year and received sufficient income to prevent you receiving Family Tax Part A, or
- you are an independent student.
What are Eligible Education Expenses?
Examples of eligible expenses include the cost and maintenance of computers, computer software purchased, school textbooks and stationary.
Examples of costs you cannot claim are school fees, school uniforms, excursion and tutoring costs.
If you intend to claim this ETR in your 2009 income tax return please ensure you keep all receipts and provide them (or their details) to our office when completing your tax return.
NOTE: The ETR can only be claimed in the tax return of the person who is receiving the Family Tax Benefit Part A. This may mean a person who otherwise does not need to lodge a return must do so (or complete the necessary form) in order to claim this ETR.