Self-education deductions and unpaid maternity leave

[#1]

Hi,

I was working at a job and went on paid, and then unpaid maternity leave to have a child.

During this time I undertook study which met the criteria for being self-education expenses as I improved specific skills and knowledge in my current employment.  I have successfully claimed self-education expenses back for this education.

My question is - if I studied this while being on unpaid maternity leave - still with the same employer and less than 12 months in duration and immediately after taking paid maternity leave - am I able to claim self-education expenses?

Many thanks, Jennifer

[#2]

@Jennifer1 

Which income would you be claiming it against?

If you don't have any employment income and haven't paid any tax, then there is no point in claiming it as you can't reduce $0 tax any further.

[#3]

Thanks, during the year of claiming I had taxable income - my baby wasn't born exactly on July 1 🙂

[#4 · Accepted solution]

@Jennifer1 

If you have received work-related income and paid tax then you should be able to claim Self-education expenses.

Self-Education expenses.

TR 98/9

[#5]

Sounds like s8-1 deductible to me.