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20 June 2026

If I am working a full-time job in field A and have a side hussle in field B and decide to upgrade my skills in side B so that I can drop full time job and earn more money from side hussle can I claim the tuition fees as a deduction?

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2 replies
83 views
2 replies

All replies

RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
22 June 2026

Hi @Lifelearner81,


No, you generally can’t claim a deduction for tuition fees related to your side hustle (field B), unless the course has a sufficient connection to your current income-earning activities at the time the expense is incurred.


In your situation, the course relates to field B rather than your full-time job in field A. If your side hustle is already generating income, you may be able to claim the tuition fees against that income. However, if you’re undertaking the course to transition away from your full-time job, enter a new field, or significantly change your income source, the expense is typically not deductible.


In particular, courses that are intended to help you obtain new employment aren't deductible, even if they relate to an existing side hustle.


@TaxDuck has provided great links to read though.

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Can I claim the tuition fees as a deduction? | ATO Community