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3.65 Since 1986, resident taxpayers have been
able to claim tax relief for approved courses
related to their employment or courses that result
in academic or professional qualifications. The
ERC has recommended raising the course fee relief
from the current $2,500. The Government agrees
that lifelong learning and training to maintain
employability is becoming more important in today's
volatile and uncertain economic environment. I
have therefore decided to increase the course
fee relief to $3,500. This will cost the Government
an additional $6.4 million per year.
3.66 At the same time, the Government has reviewed
the conditions for claiming course fee relief.
Seminars and conferences are becoming increasingly
necessary to upgrade oneself. I have therefore
decided to expand the scope of the relief to include
seminars and conferences.
3.67 Secondly, people may need to retrain not
just for their present jobs, but to prepare for
possible career shifts. I am therefore extending
the relief to courses that are not directly related
to one's current profession. To qualify for the
relief, the applicant has to establish that the
course resulted in a career switch to a relevant
job within a period of two years.
3.68 Resident taxpayers who complete courses,
seminars or conferences starting from 1 January
2003 will enjoy the enhanced course fee relief.
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