Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Finance the tax relief and tax breaks available to a two-income household where both parents are pay as you earn workers and three family members are in college, which puts the household over the thresholds for the Student Universal Support Ireland grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7324/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I assume the Deputy is seeking information in relation to tax relief in respect of third-level fees. Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief at the standard rate of income tax (20%) in respect of qualifying fees paid by an individual for a third level education course, including a postgraduate course. 

Qualifying fees mean tuition fees in respect of an approved course at an approved college and includes what is referred to as the "student contribution".  No other fees such as administration fees, examination fees, capitation fees etc., qualify for tax relief.  Tuition fees that are, or will be, met directly or indirectly by grant, scholarship, employer contribution or other means are deducted in arriving at the net qualifying fees. A claim for relief may be made in respect of a number of students. 

In making a claim for relief for the tax year 2014, the maximum amount of fees that can qualify for the relief is €7,000 per student, but an amount set out in the legislation must be disregarded from each claim (whether in respect of one or more students).  Where a claim for relief includes fees paid on behalf of at least one full-time student, the disregard for 2014 is €2,750.  Where a claim for relief includes fees solely paid on behalf of a part-time student or part-time students, the amount disregarded for 2014 is €1,375. 

A family with three siblings attending college on a full-time undergraduate basis, might be liable to €8,250 in student contribution charges. In claiming tax relief on such fees, the first €2,750 of any claim is disregarded and the remaining €5,500 would qualify for tax relief at 20%, giving a potential tax refund of €1,100.

Further information is available on the Revenue website at: