Expansion to Education Tax Refund Announced

The Prime Minister has announced that the Government will expand the Education Tax Refund scheme so that school uniforms can be included in claims.

Parents will be able to claim up to 50% of the cost of uniforms in addition to the existing education expenses included in the scheme (including the cost of computers and computer equipment, textbooks and trade tools for secondary school trade courses), currently allowing a claim of up to $390 per child each year for primary school kids or $779 per child each year for those in secondary school.

To be eligible, school uniforms would need to be approved by the school but not necessarily mandatory for the child to wear.

The new eligible items would be available for expenses incurred during the 2011/12 financial year and the tax refund would be paid in the 2012/13 financial year.

Parents or guardians entitled to Family Tax Benefit Part A for one or more children in school are eligible for the refund.

Parents are also eligible if their child receives another payment, such as Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, but would otherwise be eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Ref: Prime Minister's media release, 13 July 2010.