Filing for a tax refund in Ireland

You do not need to file a tax return in Ireland. However, if you have items like tax refunds, credits etc that you feel you are entitled to, then you will need to understand how completing your taxes on the Revenue MyAccount is done

The Revenue MyAccount portal is a self-service tool that enables individual users file for any tax credits, and refunds they are owed. The portal is simplified so it eliminates complicated paperwork. Plus, it enables users to update their employment details and status on the Employment Details Summary – (formally the P60) making it a convenient one-stop-shop for a range of personal tax management items.

Where to start

First, visit Revenue.ie and click on the MyAccount tab at the top right corner. If this is your first time visiting or using the service, you will need to register. This is a relatively simple process. So, if you are intending to register, you require:

1. Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number
2. Date of birth
3. Phone number
4. Email address

Once you have successfully registered, Revenue will provide you with a temporary password via text or email. You will need this to log into the portal for the first time. After you log in, you will be able to change the password and that is it!

Are you claiming all your tax credits?

MoneyWhizz has identified over 60 different personal tax credits and reliefs that are currently available. However, for most people, some of the most common include:

Health expenses: You can claim 20% back on unreimbursed medical costs, including GP visits, specialist consultations, prescriptions, and hospital stays. This includes reclaiming 20% on any Benefit-in-Kind where employers pay for an employee’s health insurance (up to a maximum premium of €1,000).

Mortgage Interest Relief – this is a special tax relief made available in 2023 and extended for 2024. The relief is a percentage of the value of the additional mortgage interest paid in 2023 and 2024 when compared to mortgage interest paid in 2022. The relief is 20% of the interest differential (maximum €1,250).

Pension Contributions – You can make additional payments into your pension for the previous tax year and receive a refund. In this situation, the refund will depend on your current tax rate. If you are a 40% taxpayer, a €10,000 pension top-up will receive a 40% refund, or €4,000. This must be done before October 31.  

Dental treatment: Claim 20% back on non-routine dental treatments such as crowns, root canals, and orthodontics.

Keep in mind the MoneyWhizz Tax Relief Signpost is available to participating employers and their staff as part of the employee financial wellbeing series.

How do you claim your tax credits?

1. On the dashboard, click on “Review Your Tax for the Previous 4 Years”
2. Select the tax year you want to review; 4 years is the most you can go back
3. Click Request/Amend
4. Click complete your income tax return
5. Click start

Personal details

1. Ensure personal details are correct
2. Ordinary resident Tick “Yes” if you have lived in Ireland for three consecutive tax years or more. Tick “No” if you have not met this condition.
3. Irish domicile Tick “Yes”: If Ireland is your permanent home or you have not taken steps to change your domicile to another country.
4. Tick “No”: If you have permanently moved to another country, intend to remain there indefinitely, and have severed ties with Ireland.
5. Tip: If unsure, check with Revenue or a tax advisor, as these classifications affect your tax liabilities, particularly on foreign income.

Income

1. Employment income – press next once it is correct
2. Other Income – Fill in this section if you are in receipt of any of these incomes then select next

Add tax credits

Select the specific tax credit you want to claim, such as:

• In ‘Health’ – Medical Expenses: Enter the amount spent on eligible expenses like GP visits, prescriptions.
• In Your job: Take a look; ‘flat rate’ expenses allow a credit or deduction for certain professions.
• The various tax credits are grouped and really well identified and easy to follow.
• Once you have finished adding your tax credits, they will appear below. Confirm all and press the next

Submit your claim

1. Review the information you have entered to ensure accuracy.
2. Click “Submit” to send your claim to Revenue.

Track your claim

Revenue may contact you for additional information or clarification, so monitor your email or MyAccount notifications.

The refund money

Generally, Revenue will issue any refund owed to the listed bank account provided by the applicant. However, where this is not possible, they will send a cheque. It is important to confirm any bank account details are accurate and up-to-date.

Supporting documentation

Use the upload feature to attach receipts or documentation required for your claims. Ensure that all documents are clear and legible. Examples include:

• Medical receipts or a statement from your pharmacy.
• A doctor’s letter confirming a diagnosis, if applicable.
• Other qualifying expenses

Can I do this for more than one year?

You can claim tax credits for qualifying expenses incurred in any of the previous four years. The only exception is when it comes to pension contributions. Here, if you are making up for previous years, this is only possible for the previous tax year. However, you can make a once-off pension top-up every year within the tax allowance limits.

Retain all receipts and documents for at least 6 years, as Revenue may audit your claim. It’s rare but possible.

If you have any questions, Revenue’s offers a convenient and really helpful call option where they can explain your options in detail or talk you through your details. Of course, the other option is to use the ‘My Enquiries’ at the top right corner of your MyAccount, where you can write questions and attach letters.

Be aware

If someone in the household is self-assessed, they will be unable to process their details via the MyAccount option. This also impacts anyone that is linked to their employment, such as a spouse, who may be paid entirely via the PAYE system. In this situation, the person will be required to access their details via the ROS system and submit any claim they are entitled to via the Enquiries and ‘Update Form 11’ request.

Frank Conway is a Qualified Financial Adviser and Founder of MoneyWhizz