There will be no change in the marginal tax rates already legislated for individuals for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 income tax years.
Funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Disability Care) was confirmed in the Federal Budget and will be funded by an increase of 0.5 percent in the Medicare levy (to 2 percent) from 1 July 2014.
Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset
The Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset (NMETO) will be phased out from 1 July 2013 through a combination of reducing the range of medical expenses that qualify for the offset and limiting the number of taxpayers who qualify for the offset. Individuals will only be able to claim the NMETO in the 2014 and 2015 income tax years if they claimed the offset in the prior year. From 1 July 2015, the NMETO will be restricted to out of pocket medical expenses relating to disability aids, attendant care and aged care expenses. The NMETO will be removed from 1 July 2019 when Disability Care Australia will be fully operational.
In the 2013 income tax year, individuals can claim a tax offset of 20% of all net medical expenses over $2,120.
Self-Education Expenses
Work related self education expense deductions will be capped at $2,000 from 1 July 2014. Previously there was no cap. The proposal will limit the amount that individuals can claim for self education expenses incurred in undertaking a course or activities that have a direct connection to their current work activities. Accordingly, expenditure on course and tuition fees, textbooks, journals, computers, stationery and travel and accommodation costs will be limited from 1 July 2014.
Employers who provide or fund work related education and training for employees will not be liable for fringe benefits tax regardless of the amount unless the employee salary sacrifices to obtain these benefits.
The existing discounts which apply to up-front and voluntary payments made under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) will be removed from 1 January 2014.