Introduction
Every year, millions of euros in tax refunds go unclaimed in Ireland.
Why? Because many PAYE workers assume that once tax is deducted through payroll, everything is automatically taken care of. Unfortunately, that’s not how the system works.
Revenue doesn’t know about your GP visits, your rent payments, or the days you worked from home. If you don’t actively tell them, you don’t get the relief.
At Intax.ie, we see this daily—PAYE workers missing out on perfectly legitimate tax credits that could put hundreds or even thousands of euros back in their pocket. To help you avoid overpaying tax in 2026, here’s our “Money Back” checklist of the most commonly missed PAYE tax refunds in Ireland.
1. The Rent Tax Credit (The One Most People Miss)
If you are renting private accommodation in Ireland, this is one of the most valuable credits available to you.
Introduced in 2022 and increased through recent budgets, the Rent Tax Credit offers a direct reduction in your tax bill.
What it’s worth:
As of the 2024–2025 budgets, renters can typically claim:
- Up to €1,000 for a single person
- Up to €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple
(Exact amounts depend on the tax year and your personal circumstances.)
The catch:
This credit is not applied automatically. If you don’t claim it, you lose it.
What you’ll need:
- Your landlord’s name
- The property’s RTB registration number (or valid proof of tenancy if exempt)
2. Medical and Dental Expenses
Medical costs add up quickly—and many people don’t realise they’re entitled to 20% tax relief on most non-reimbursed medical expenses.
You can claim relief on expenses such as:
- GP and consultant fees
- Prescription medication (including Drug Payment Scheme amounts)
- Physiotherapy (when referred by a medical practitioner)
- Non-routine dental treatments (e.g. crowns, root canals – not routine check-ups)
- Laser eye surgery
Pro tip: You can also claim medical expenses you paid for a relative or dependent, even if they don’t live with you.
3. Remote Working Relief (e-Working)
With hybrid and remote work now the norm, many PAYE employees are entitled to tax relief on household running costs.
You have two possible routes:
1. Employer Allowance
If your employer pays a daily remote-working allowance (up to €3.20 per day), it’s tax-free.
2. Claiming Tax Back
If your employer pays nothing, you can claim relief on 30% of the cost of:
- Electricity
- Heating
- Broadband
This applies only to the days you worked from home.
Important: You must upload bills or receipts to Revenue to support your claim.
4. Flat Rate Expenses (The Most Overlooked Credit)
Flat Rate Expenses are fixed tax deductions available to specific professions to cover the cost of uniforms, tools, and equipment.
Hundreds of job roles qualify, including:
- Nurses and healthcare assistants
- Teachers and lecturers
- Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters
- Hotel, bar, and catering staff
Why people miss this:
You don’t receive a reminder—and many people don’t know their role qualifies.
The good news:
- No receipts required
- You simply select your profession in your Revenue profile
- The allowance is deducted from your taxable income every year
5. The 4-Year Rule (Critical for 2026)
This is one of the most important rules in Irish tax:
👉 You have four years to claim a tax refund.
In 2026, you can still submit claims for:
- 2025
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
If you have unclaimed expenses from 2021 or earlier, unfortunately, they can no longer be reclaimed. This is why reviewing your tax position every year is so important.
Conclusion: How to Get Your Money Back
Claiming these refunds requires filling a Form 12 tax return — the step that actually triggers your refund.
If you’re unsure where to start, or if you’d like an expert to review the last four years to make sure nothing is missed, Intax.ie can help. We know where PAYE workers typically lose money, and we make sure you get back every Euro you’re entitled to— no guesswork, no stress.
Think you might be leaving money on the table?
Let Intax.ie review your taxes and help you claim what’s rightfully yours.
