Saturday, June 23, 2007

Your Student HELP Debt 2006-07


What is a HELP debt?
From 1 January 2005, the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) was introduced, replacing the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). You will be required to start repaying your HELP debt when your repayment income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment. HELP includes:
  • HECS-HELP
  • FEE-HELP
  • OS-HELP
When do you start repaying your debt?
You must start repaying your debt when your repayment income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment. The repayment thresholds are adjusted each year to reflect any changes in average weekly earnings. For the 2005–06 income year the minimum threshold was $36,184 and for the 2006–07 income year it is $38,148.

Compulsory repayments are made through your income tax assessments.

You don’t have to provide HELP information in your tax return. If you have a debt, and your repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold, the Tax Office will work out and include your compulsory repayment in your notice of assessment.

NOTE:
If your repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold you must start repaying your debt, even if you are still studying.


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The comments provided in this blog are general in nature and not intended to be specific advice. Each situation is different. You should discuss your circumstances with Alan (or another tax agent) to obtain individual advice before acting on any information.