 By Cathy
Lau of Top Figures Accounting Services
Government to ease school costs with new tax refund for uniforms*
 On 13 July 2010, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, issued a media release http://www.pm.gov.au/node/6891 announcing 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 per cent of the cost of uniforms in addition to the existing education expenses included in the scheme, currently 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.
Other current eligible education expenses include:
- laptop computers, home computers and associated costs, including the repair and running costs of computer equipment
- 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
- home internet connections, including the costs of establishing and maintaining them
- computer software for educational use
- word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software, and internet filters and antivirus software
- school textbooks and other paper-based school learning material, including prescribed textbooks, associated learning materials, study guides and stationery - for example, pencils, pens, compasses and glue, and
- prescribed trade tools (for secondary school trade courses).
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.
For more information, please contact our office:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
*Next Financial year 2011/12
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Feature: Tax Refund for School Uniforms (Next Financial year 2011/12)