Chortlepuss

I've been looking at doing some certified training - ITIL, LEAN etc and the costs in QLD are prohibitive (yeah it would be lovely if my employer would pay but they won't). For the same certification, courses are half the price in the UK - and I can stay with relatives. Australian price = British price + flight
Does anyone know if I could claim the cost of UK training (and possibly even part/all of the fligh) against Australian tax? I'll ask my accountant but just wondered if anyone had done this, I'm itching for a trip home!

Swerv-o

I don't see why not - providing it's a genuine work related course, then it should be tax deductible. What would happen if they didn't offer the course in Australia? You would have to go overseas then...

I believe that providing that the course is the true and real reason you are going back, and you don't tack on 2 weeks holiday to the end, then you can also claim the flights as well.

I would certainly have a go at it anyway. The accountant can only say no...


S

Bermudashorts

I believe that Australia tax system works on the premise of "wholly, exclusively and necessarily" when it comes to allowable expenses. In which case, I would be stunned if a flight to the UK to attend a course would be allowable. One personal engagement and exclusively falls down for a start.

Anyway, see what the tax accountant says, I agree the worst that can happen is it is a no.

Amazulu

I don't see why not (apart from the flights where I don't know), I claim for my membership of the IEE, which is a UK institute and the invoice is in GBP.

Bermudashorts

I assume it is necessary/ expected for you to have professional body membership though, same with me. Whereas, I would not assume that a training course would be allowable, if it is only a nice to have that is. Not saying it isn't, just that I would not assume it is.

Chortlepuss

Ta everyone!
I reckon the courses will be tax deductable but not the flight - I'd deffo tack on a few weeks down the pub to recover from all that studying