Don't forget to keep all your receipts from back-to-school expenses so that you can take advantage of the Education Tax Refund.

The refund gives eligible parents and caregivers a 50 per cent refund on a range of primary and secondary school education expenses, including school uniforms.

For the 2011-2012 financial year you may be eligible for the following:

Primary school child
You can claim a maximum of $818 for each of your primary school children – that is a refund of up to $409.

Secondary school student
You can claim a maximum of $1,636 for each of your secondary school children – that is a refund of up to $818.

Items you can claim

This year school-approved uniforms, such as hats, shoes and sports uniforms, bought from 1 July 2011 can be claimed.

You can also claim the cost of buying, establishing, repairing and maintaining any of the following items:

• home computers and laptops
• computer-related equipment, such as printers, USB flash drives and disability aids to assist in the use of computer equipment for students with special needs
• home internet connections
• computer software for educational use
• school textbooks and other printed learning material, including prescribed textbooks, associated learning materials, study guides and stationery
• prescribed trade tools for secondary school trade courses.

Find out more information about the Education Tax Refund.