Q.  I’m not sure that I have received all the right tax reliefs. Is it too late to benefit?

13.12.09

A range of tax reliefs may be claimed depending on your circumstances.
If you did not claim reliefs that you were entitled to in previous years, you may claim a refund of any overpayment, but there is a time limit of four previous years. The main PAYE system in use today is the tax credit system, whereby your income is taxed and then tax credits are deducted from your tax liability to reduce the final amount of tax that you have to pay. Generally, all individuals are entitled to a personal tax credit. There are additional tax credits which depend on your marital status (including whether you are a widow or a lone parent) and age (in the case of over-65s).

Employment-related reliefs include a tax credit for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) workers and for trade union subscriptions. For health, tax relief is available for medical expenses and for some dental expenses. Tax relief for private health insurance is already taken into account in the premium you pay. Relief is also available on nursing home fees or for employing a carer, or if one spouse provides care at home. You can claim extra credits if you are maintaining a child or relative who is incapacitated.
In education, there is tax relief on tuition fees for approved third-level courses.
For housing, relief is available on rent and on service charges paid.
Relief on mortgage interest is already taken into account in your mortgage payments. If you rent out a room in your home you can claim relief on the income from it.
You can claim tax credits by contacting your regional Revenue office.
Most income tax reliefs can also be claimed online – see the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie for details.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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