About the previous Education Tax Refund

Has the Schoolkids Bonus replaced the Education Tax Refund?

Yes, the Schoolkids Bonus has replaced the Education Tax Refund. The Australian Government made this change to ensure eligible families and students receive practical, easy payments to help lighten the load at times when it is needed most – back to school and mid-year – in a timely manner when families need it most.

Why has the Government replaced the Education Tax Refund with the Schoolkids Bonus?

The Government aims to help eligible families and students across Australia by providing assistance to boost their back to school budgets. By design, the Schoolkids Bonus delivers more money to more low and middle income families and students who need assistance with their education expenses.

Under the Education Tax Refund around 80 per cent of eligible families did not get the full amount they were entitled to receive or received nothing at all. This is because the system was complex as receipts had to be kept for long periods and families did not have the money when they needed it the most.

The Schoolkids Bonus overcomes those problems as it is paid automatically to eligible families and students – which means they no longer need to keep receipts and wait for months to claim back education costs through their tax return, simplifying the process for receiving the payment.

Is the Schoolkids Bonus less than the Education Tax Refund?

No – families and students will be better off. The Schoolkids Bonus is $410 a year for each primary school child and $820 for each secondary student compared to a maximum of $397 for a primary school child and $794 for a secondary school child under the previous Education Tax Refund.

What are the differences between the Schoolkids Bonus and the Education Tax Refund?

Features Schoolkids Bonus Education Tax Refund

Payment amount

$410 a year for a primary student
(two instalments of $205)

$820 a year for a secondary student
(two instalments of $410)

Maximum refund of $397 for a primary student

Maximum refund of $794 for a secondary student*

Payment frequency

Two instalments:

  • January
  • July

Paid once each year, retrospectively
Timing of payment linked to when you complete your tax return

Claiming method

Automatically paid into bank accounts
No need to keep receipts
Not claimed through tax return
Notify Centrelink of any changes to education status or circumstances

Claimed through tax return
Claim back 50% of eligible expenses up the maximum refund amounts
Keep receipts for eligible expenses

Eligible expenses

No ineligible education expenses
Parents and students can spend the payment on any education expenses

Eligible expenses limited to:

  • School uniforms
  • School textbooks, learning materials and study guides
  • Stationery
  • Computers and computer-related equipment and software
  • Computer repairs
  • Home internet connections

Can I still claim the Education Tax Refund?

You can’t claim the Education Tax Refund for 2011-12 or future financial years because it no longer exists. It has been replaced by the Schoolkids Bonus. However, you can still claim the Education Tax Refund for past years through the Australian Taxation Office. Check with the Australian Taxation Office for information.

Content Updated: 2 January 2013