If you’re eligible for the Education Tax Refund you could get 50% back on a range of primary and secondary school education expenses.
Remember to keep your receipts.They will help you calculate your refund and you may be required to show them as proof of purchase. You can claim for items purchased from 1 July 2008.
The Education Tax Refund (ETR) is a new government initiative to help with the cost of educating primary and secondary school children. It means eligible parents, carers, legal guardians and independent students could get 50% back on some education expenses. This includes items like computers, educational software, textbooks and stationery.
Most people are eligible for the ETR because they receive Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A. However, there are some payments that prevent you from receiving FTB Part A, but which still entitle you to receive the refund. You can also claim the refund if you are an independent student.
You can claim the ETR each financial year for children in primary and/or secondary school, or if you are an independent student. You will be able to claim the refund from 1 July 2009 for the 2008/09 financial year. This means you can claim for items purchased from 1 July 2008. Remember to keep your receiptsas they will help you calculate your entitlement and you may be required to produce them as proof of purchase. You can claim the ETR even if you are not required to lodge a tax return.
What items can I claim?
Eligible expenses include the cost of buying, establishing, repairing and maintaining any of the following items:
laptop computers and home computers
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
computer repairs
home internet connections
computer software for educational use (not games)
school textbooks and other printed learning material, including prescribed textbooks, associated learning materials, study guides and stationery, and
prescribed trade tools for secondary school trade courses.
For more information the website is educationtaxrefund.gov.au or visit the ATO website ato.gov.au (both need the www. put in front of course)
