PhD and Tax

chris_money

Hello
I am in the latter stages of a full time PhD, whilst also working in a paid job that I pay tax for
My PhD is self funded, so I have paid the full tuition fees each year

1. Have I missed a chance to claim the tax back on the tuition fees?
2. Am I eligible for less income tax for my job? As it stands, I just pay the regular amount of tax as if I was not doing a PhD simultaneously

Any advice appreciated on what to do!
Thank you MSE users!
Chris

uknick

Why do you think you might get tax relief for your PhD studies?

Is the course related to your employment?

Dazed_and_confused

Students don't pay tax ;-)

unforeseen

Yep, the same way that the Armed Forces don't pay tax

booksurr

no you are not exempt from paying tax just because you have a real job earning income whilst you are a "student". You will pay tax if your total income exceeds your personal allowance (have you made sure your employer has the correct tax code for you?)

the only "special" treatment given to a phd student by virtue of their status is if they get a stipend from their university/funding body, that is tax free. Clearly that is irrelevant for you as you are self funding

as for the idea of claiming back tax on the cost of a course, no, just like everyone else in the UK you cannot claim the costs of acquiring a new skill/undergoing training/being educated against your tax. Once you have a qualification you can then claim the costs of "continuing professional development" (CPD) ie refreshers, but never the costs of getting it in the first place

as for what to do: research tax via google?