Education tax rebate Q&A

Q: What school uniform items will I be eligible to claim in 2011/12? A: School uniform items purchased from July 1, 2011 need to be distinctive and recognised by the school - but are not limited to items bearing a school crest. For example a public school has a policy which states that students should wear yellow shirts, blue hats, grey shorts or skirts and black leather shoes to identify the students as attending the school, As the items, including shoes, are approved or recognised as part of a distinctive school outfit and fall under the policy, they would be eligible expenses. Q: When and how do I claim school uniform items? Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. A: Start by keeping receipts for school uniform items purchased from 1 July 2011. Make your claim in next year's tax return. If you don't need to do a tax return you can claim on the Education Tax Refund for individuals claim form which is available from the Tax Office. Q: What if my child is home-schooled or doing secondary school at TAFE? A: You can still claim the ETR. An eligible child includes students who are home-schooled and those doing a secondary school level of education at an educational institution such as a TAFE, but does not include general TAFE courses. Q: Can I claim for university expenses? A: No. Q: Can I share the expense for an item between my children? A: Yes. You can share the expense provided all the school children have access to the item that has been purchased. For example, you can share the expense of a computer between all children provided they all have access to it. Q: Do I have to keep all of my eligible education expenses receipts? A: You need to keep records to help you or your tax agent prepare your tax return or claim. You will also need receipts to ensure that you are able to prove your claim for your expenses if you are asked to by the Tax Office. Eligible education expenses must be listed separately on invoices. Q: What if I am not required to lodge an income tax return - can I still claim the refund? A: Yes. If you do not have to lodge a tax return, you will need to use the Education tax refund for individuals 2011 (NAT 72621) form. Your refund will be paid as a cheque or an electronic payment into your nominated bank account. Q: What happens if they spend more than the maximum amount? A: Any remaining amount can be carried over to the end of the next financial year to be included in that year's calculations (if they are still eligible).