Course Fee Relief Updated

In the 2008 budget, the Singapore government has proposed several amendments to the Course Fee Relief for Individuals.

Current (Prior to Budget 2008)

An individual can claim course fee relief for courses (to obtain vocational qualifications) relevant to his current trade, business, profession, vocation or employment, or if he makes a relevant career switch within two years of completing the course. For academic or professional qualifications, the claim can only be made in the year the expense is incurred.

Changes to Course Fee Relief

With effect from YA 2009, claims for course fee relief will be available for courses leading to approved vocational qualifications regardless of whether they are relevant to the individual’s current trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.

Claims for courses leading to an approved academic, professional or vocational qualification can be made within two YAs from the YA relating to the year in which the individual completes the course.

Technical / Individual Considerations for the New Course Fee Relief

This is definitely a move that is in line with the Government’s policy of encouraging individuals to continue to upgrade themselves to stay relevant.

The extension of period of claim for the course fee relief relating to any approved academic, professional or vocational qualification, will also benefit taxpayers who may not be able to benefit from the relief in the YA for which the expense is actually incurred for various reasons including the possibility that the relevant taxpayer may not be taxable for that year in which the course fee is incurred. This change offers taxpayers an opportunity to claim the course fee relief in the subsequent two years.

Contact Us at PayrollServe

To get detailed advice on the eligibility & claim of the amended Course Fee Relief scheme, get in touch with our experienced Payroll Consultants in Singapore at PayrollServe.