EOFY Tax Guide for Online Students

If your course at Kirana Colleges is directly related to your current employment (for example, upskilling in your current field), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to claim several self-education expenses. These can include:

1. Course Fees (for non-HECS/FEE-HELP funded studies)

If you pay out of pocket for a course related to your job, these fees are deductible.

Note: The historical $250 reduction rule has been abolished. You can now claim the full amount of your eligible expenses from the first dollar

2. Textbooks, Study Guides, and E-books

Digital or hardcopy learning materials directly related to your coursework can be claimed.

3. Textbooks and digital materials

Digital or hardcopy materials like e-books and study guides directly related to your coursework remain claimable.

4. Computer Equipment and Software

• Under $300: You can claim an immediate deduction for the full cost.
• Over $300: You must claim the decline in value (depreciation) over the item’s useful life.

5. Home office expenses (The 70c method)

For the 2025–26 year, you can use the fixed rate method of 70 cents per hour to cover:

• Electricity and gas
• Phone and internet usage

Stationery and computer consumables (like printer ink) (Source: ATO Fixed rate method)

6. Travel and vehicle costs

If you use your car to travel between your workplace and Kirana Colleges (or a place of assessment), the “Cents per Kilometre” rate has increased to 88 cents per kilometre for the 2025–26 year 

Important: New student loan repayment rules

A major change for 2026 involves how you repay your student debt, such as a VET Student Loan [VSL] or Higher Education Loan Program [HELP].

• Higher threshold: You only start making compulsory repayments once your income reaches $67,000.
• Marginal repayments: Repayments are now only calculated on the portion of your income above that $67,000 mark, rather than your total income, providing more take-home pay for students.

💡 Tip: Use the ATO’s Self-Education Expenses Calculator to estimate your potential tax deductions and check your eligibility – it’s a quick and easy way to stay on track this EOFY.

To support your claims, you still need to keep:

• Receipts and invoices for all purchases.
• A log of hours spent studying from home if using the 70c fixed rate method (estimates are no longer accepted by the ATO).
• Evidence of the connection between your course and your current work.

• Courses that are intended to help you get a new job or change careers.
• Tuition costs covered by a Commonwealth Supported Place [CSP].
• Everyday clothing or travel from home to the college.

Every student’s situation is unique. To ensure you are maximising your deductions, it is best to consult with a registered tax agent.

Kirana Colleges is here to support you. If you need a statement of fees for your records or want to discuss your enrolment, please contact our team.

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Disclaimer: The following information is a general guide only and does not constitute professional tax or financial advice. Because everyone’s financial situation is unique, you should always consult with a registered tax agent or accountant and refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for the most current and up-to-date information before making a claim.