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Can I claim study fees reimbursement?

Posted 10 July 2013

I am a salaried, permanently employed person. I claim on a semester basis (based on what I pass), the module registration fees and textbook fees. Up until about a year ago, I would receive the full amount claimed from the company. Now I don't. When I queried this I was told that I am paying tax on the amount that I claim to the tune of 40% or something. I was also told that if I had allowed the company to register for me etc then obviously I wouldn't pay anything unless I fail a module.

For personal and non-schlep reasons, I prefer to register and get my books myself. If you want something done right and all that. So now my questions is can I claim that tax back? The way I see it is I am been taxed twice now. I have already paid tax on my salary which I used to register for studies and then I am been charged tax again.

If I can claim it back how would I go about this?

Thanx

TaxTim TaxTim says:
11 July 2013 at 19:27

You cannot claim deductions for study purposes as this is seen as a personal expense. If the company provides you a special book allowance then you will be taxed on this allowance as well. The theory is that studying at the degree you receive will be used to generate revenue because and therefore your studies are "capital" for which you cannot deduct expenses against. Your employer can register you as part of the learnership program and will be able to claim a deduction and you would not suffer any tax consequences. This is the route I would suggest.

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