House of Representatives

Tax Laws Amendment (Education Refund) Bill 2008

Explanatory Memorandum

Circulated By the Authority of the Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan Mp

General outline and financial impact

The Education Tax Refund

This Bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 by introducing a 50 per cent refundable tax offset for eligible education expenses (the Education Tax Refund) up to a maximum of $750 for children undertaking primary studies and $1,500 for children undertaking secondary studies.

Date of effect : The Education Tax Refund applies to eligible expenses incurred from 1 July 2008.

Proposal announced : This measure was announced by the Government in its election document A Tax Plan for Australia's Future on 18 October 2007. Further policy details were provided in the Treasurer's Media Release No. 039 of 13 May 2008 released jointly with the Minister for Education.

Financial impact : This measure will cost:

2008 - 09 2009 - 10 2010 - 11 2011 - 12
$1,015m $1,095m $1,135m $1,165m
Compliance cost impact : Low.


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