As of 1 July 2009 eligible parents, carers, legal guardians, and independent students can claim up to 50% from the Education Tax Refund to help meet the costs of educating their primary and secondary school children. You can claim each year and there are also refunds for resources which improve educational outcomes (eg computers, educational software, textbooks, stationary).  

NOTE: You claim the refund from 1 July 2009 for the 2008/09 financial year (1 July 2008-09).

Eligibility

The following parents, carers, legal guardians, and independent students are eligible:

• Those entitled to Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A in respect of children engaged in primary or secondary studies for the relevant financial year. 
• Those with children engaged in primary or secondary studies where the children are eligible for FTB Part A purposes, but for the fact that the child receives certain payments or allowances (eg Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension, ABSTUDY Living Allowance).

MORE: Click here to determine whether you are eligible.

Maximum claimable amounts

These are the maximum amounts you can claim each year for eligible education expenses:

• $750 for each child engaged in primary school studies, with a maximum refundable tax offset of $375/child/year
• $1,500 for each child engaged in secondary school studies, with a maximum refundable tax offset of $750/child/year  

MORE: See the frequently asked questions or access the Education Tax Refund calculator.