Students welcome tax relief on college fees and rent support

By Claire O’Sullivan

In yesterday’s Budget, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen announced that tax relief at the standard rate of tax can be claimed against the payment of up to €5,000 in college fees. This in an increase of €1,825 from the previous maximum relief threshold of €3,175.

The tax refund can be claimed for fees paid for the academic year 2005/2006 and will apply to postgraduate courses, repeat undergraduate years and also to those undertaking a second undergraduate degree.