Ireland · Tax
Tax Refund
PAYE worker in Ireland? We help you review the last four years and claim tax credits and reliefs you may be owed through Revenue myAccount.
- Decided by:
- Revenue — the Irish Tax and Customs authority
- Information checked:
- Time limit
- 4 years
- claims for 2022 must be made by 31 December 2026
- Rent Tax Credit
- up to €1,000 per person
- 2024–2028; €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple
- Medical expenses relief
- 20%
- of qualifying expenses
Official figures as published by the relevant authority when we last checked. They can change — always confirm on the official website before paying.
Overview
Many PAYE employees in Ireland pay more tax than they need to, simply because they haven't claimed credits and reliefs they are entitled to — or because they were on emergency tax when starting a job.
We help you review your tax position for the last four years in Revenue myAccount, identify credits and reliefs that may apply to you, and complete the Income Tax Return needed to claim any refund.
Revenue calculates and pays any refund directly to you. We cannot promise that a refund is due — that depends entirely on your circumstances.
Who it's for
This service is for
- PAYE employees in Ireland, including people who started work here recently.
- Renters, people with medical or dental expenses, remote workers and students paying tuition fees.
- Anyone who paid emergency tax in a previous year.
Common challenges we solve
- Knowing which credits and reliefs apply to your situation.
- Finding your way around Revenue myAccount and the Statement of Liability.
- Claiming for earlier years before the four-year time limit expires.
- Fixing emergency tax and getting job details registered correctly.
How we help
Our support for Tax Refund includes:
- A review of your circumstances and the credits and reliefs that may apply.
- Guidance through 'Review your tax for the previous 4 years' in myAccount.
- Help completing the Income Tax Return for each relevant year.
- Checklists for receipts and records, such as rent, medical and tuition receipts.
- Explaining your Statement of Liability and any refund.
Benefits of working with us
- A structured look at credits you might have missed.
- No missed deadlines on older years.
- Fast, plain-English answers about the myAccount process.
Eligibility & requirements
Common reasons PAYE workers are due a refund include:
- Rent Tax Credit for private rented accommodation, including some student accommodation.
- Health expenses relief on qualifying medical and dental costs not reimbursed by insurance.
- Flat Rate Expenses for certain occupations, which must be claimed each year.
- Tuition fees relief for qualifying third-level courses.
- Remote working relief on electricity, heating and broadband costs.
- Emergency tax paid in a previous year.
Documents you may need
To review your tax, it helps to have:
- Your PPS number and access to Revenue myAccount.
- Rent details (landlord name and RTB number, amounts paid).
- Medical and dental receipts and any insurance reimbursements.
- Tuition fee receipts for qualifying courses.
- Utility and broadband bills if claiming remote working relief.
Revenue may ask to see receipts — keep your records safely.
How it works
Step 1: Quick review
Tell us about your job, rent, expenses and years in Ireland. We'll flag credits that may apply.
Step 2: Gather records
We send a short checklist of receipts and information to have ready.
Step 3: Review in myAccount
We guide you through requesting the Statement of Liability for each year.
Step 4: Income Tax Return
We help you complete the return with the credits and reliefs you're entitled to — this is the only way to receive a refund.
Step 5: Refund
Revenue issues the final Statement of Liability and pays any refund directly to your bank account.
Important to know
- A refund is only due if you have overpaid; we cannot guarantee any amount.
- Claims must be made within four years of the end of the tax year.
- Claims must be accurate and supported by records — incorrect claims can lead to repayments and penalties.
- Your preliminary end-of-year statement is not final; the Statement of Liability shows the final position.
SJ Consultancy Ireland is an independent consultancy. The decision on your application is made by Revenue — the Irish Tax and Customs authority. Official fees are paid directly to the authority. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.
Tax Refund FAQs
How many years back can I claim?
Four years. Claims for 2022 must be made by 31 December 2026; from 1 January 2027 the earliest year you can claim is 2023.
Who pays the refund?
Revenue pays any refund directly to the bank account registered in your myAccount.
I was on emergency tax when I started my job — can I get it back?
Usually yes. In the current year your employer refunds it once Revenue issues a cumulative payroll notification. For previous years, you claim by completing that year's Income Tax Return.
Do I need receipts?
Yes. You should keep receipts and records for reliefs such as medical expenses, rent and tuition fees in case Revenue asks for them.
Official sources
We check requirements against these official sources. Rules, fees and processing times change, so please confirm the latest position there.