Tax deduction for professional body membership

By Marc Sevitz · Updated

Taxing my brain

Taxing my brain said:
28 June 2015 at 17:49

Good day Tim

I have forgotten to claim membership fees to a professional body as a deduction in the 2013/2014 tax year. Can I claim it in this 2014/2015 tax year?

Also if money is spent on CPD (required to maintain membership to a professional body), is this deductable for tax purposes?
TaxTim Marc

TaxTim Marc said:
29 June 2015 at 8:27

Are you a salaried employee or do you work for yourself?
Taxing my brain

Taxing my brain said:
29 June 2015 at 9:36

Yes, I have been a salaried employee. I have also actively searched for jobs hoping that my designation with the professional body would result in good job prospects.
TaxTim Marc

TaxTim Marc said:
29 June 2015 at 11:44

Unfortunately as a salaried employee you will not be able to claim this professional contribution as it is not allowed as per the tax act.
Taxing my brain

Taxing my brain said:
29 June 2015 at 11:59

Hi Tim

I would like to add that I personally paid my membership fees and not my employer. Does this change the tax position?
Also can you please quote the section of the tax Act which prohibits a salaried employee from obtaining a deduction? That will be much appreciated!
TaxTim Marc

TaxTim Marc said:
29 June 2015 at 14:27

Your employer paying for it would actually be better because then you are not taxed on it and they claim a deduction.

However salaried employees are limited to deductions under s23(m) of the tax act which does not include these type of expenditures.
Taxing my brain

Taxing my brain said:
29 June 2015 at 15:22

Thank you!
TaxTim Marc

TaxTim Marc said:
29 June 2015 at 15:53

Glad we could assist!