Education Tax Refund

The Australian Government is helping you with the costs of educating your kids. The Education Tax Refund provides up to 50% back on a range of children’s education expenses.

Expenses include:

• Home computers and laptops
• Computer-related equipment such as printers, USB flash drives, and 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
• 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 the 2010–11 tax year refunds may be as much as $397 for every child at primary school, and up to $794 for every child at secondary school. The amount of the refund increases each year by the Consumer Price Index.

Don’t forget to keep your receipts. You need them to calculate your refund and you may need to show them as proof of purchase.

How do I claim?

If you are eligible for the Education Tax Refund (ETR) because you get Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A, only you can claim the refund. For example, your spouse cannot claim the ETR in their tax return if you get FTB Part A.

If you need to lodge a 2011 tax return:

If you have to lodge a tax return, you can claim the ETR at item T6 in your 2011 individual tax return.

If you do not have to lodge a 2011 tax return:

If you do not have to lodge a tax return for 2010–11, you can claim the ETR on the Education Tax Refund for individuals 2011 claim available from the Tax Office from 1 July 2011 by:

• visiting the Tax Office website
• phoning the Tax Office publications distribution service on 1300 720 092, or
• visiting a Tax Office shopfront.

You can lodge your completed ETR claim by:

• phoning 13 28 65 — available 24 hours a day 7 days a week from 1 July 2011, or
• mailing it in.

You can either get your refund as an electronic payment into your bank account or as a cheque.

Lodging through a tax agent

Will Fraser & Co can claim on your behalf, all you need to do is show us your receipts.