Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland
Tax Accountant in Sippy Downs
The study debt after graduation, and the course that counts as a deduction
Individual tax returns for Sippy Downs graduates, students and young workers, and start-up costs for student founders, from a CPA practice.
USC took its first 542 students on 26 February 1996, at 90 Sippy Downs Drive. At the 2021 Census, 30.3% of Sippy Downs residents attending an educational institution were at university or another higher education provider, and the median age was 33. Study loans are repaid through the tax system once income passes the threshold.
A university suburb
Sippy Downs in brief.
Dhippi or Jippi, a word for winged creatures, is the source of the suburb's name. Chancellor State School opened on 28 January 1997, and Siena Catholic College had 908 students in 2018. The suburb had 11,544 residents in 2021, 33.2% of occupied homes were rented and the median weekly rent was $460.
Three questions after study
HELP repayments under the marginal system
Why it happens
A graduate starts full-time work and sees extra tax withheld for their study loan.
Why it matters
From 1 July 2025, compulsory repayments are calculated only on repayment income above the minimum threshold. For 2025-26 that threshold was $67,000, and the repayment is 15% of repayment income above it; in the ATO's example, repayment income of $80,000 gives a repayment of $1,950. The thresholds are indexed each year.
How we help
Check your HELP balance in myGov before you lodge.
Self-education for your current job
Why it happens
A worker enrols in a course or short program connected to the job they already have.
Why it matters
Self-education is deductible if it maintains or improves the specific skills or knowledge needed in your current job, or is likely to increase your income from it. A course that relates only generally to your work, or helps you get a new job or change careers, isn't deductible. Individual subjects connected to your current work may be claimable even when the whole course isn't, and reimbursed costs can't be claimed.
How we help
Keep a note of how each subject connects to your current duties.
Student founders and start-up costs
Why it happens
A student or recent graduate starts a business from a project they began at university.
Why it matters
Professional advice on the business structure, legal arrangements and business plan, and government fees to set the business up, can be deducted in full in the year they are incurred. The cost of assets for the business doesn't qualify.
How we help
Keep the invoices from before the business started trading.
Frequently asked questions
How much HELP do I repay on a Sippy Downs graduate salary?
For 2025-26, 15% of repayment income above $67,000. On $80,000, that is $1,950.
Can I claim my university course as a tax deduction?
Only if it maintains or improves the skills for your current job or is likely to increase your income from it. A course for a new career isn't deductible.
Can I claim the cost of setting up my business?
Advice on the structure and business plan, and government registration fees, can be claimed in the year you pay them.
Where to next
Have a question?
After graduation
Personal Accounting Services on the Sunshine Coast.
Lomandra Accounting is a CPA Practice, registered with the Tax Practitioners Board and an SMSF Specialist. Emma, the Director, is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in commercial business management, and specialises in Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs).
- 07 5234 9201
- admin@lomandraa.com.au
- Sunshine Coast, QLD
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm