Richard Bruton
Question:281 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the different tax allowances which apply in respect of education or training expenses; and the conditions which must be met in order to qualify. [29070/01]
Written Answers. - Tax Allowances.
As the Deputy will be aware, in this year's Finance Act the various tax reliefs for third level education were merged into a single relief and the relief was considerably widened. Generally speaking, the new relief now covers fees paid by undergraduate students in Ireland and elsewhere in the EU. The scheme also applies to fees paid by postgraduate students both here and abroad. Courses may be either full or part-time. Undergraduate courses must be of at least two academic years' duration while postgraduate courses must be of at least one, but not more than four, academic years' duration.
Tax relief is also available in respect of fees paid for training courses in the areas of information technology and foreign languages.
Tuition fees paid by an individual on his or her own behalf or on behalf of a spouse, child or person for whom the individual is the legal guardian qualify for relief. The relief is available at the standard rate of tax.
The maximum relief that can be claimed is set annually by the Minister for Education and Science. It is currently £2,500, 3,175, per year in respect of third level fees. In the case of fees for training courses in foreign languages and information technology, the maximum relief is set at £1,000, 1,270, and no relief is due where the fees for the course are less than £250, 315.
No relief is available for any part of fees which are met directly or indirectly by grants, scholarships, an employer or otherwise.