Start with number 1: it has a deadline this year.
Quick facts
- Claim back
- 4 years
- 2022 claims close
- 31 December 2026
- Tax-free vouchers
- Up to five a year
- State Pension at 70
- €363.90 a week
1. Claim back four years of tax
Missed a tax credit or relief? You can go back four years, but not five: "claims for 2022 must be made by 31 December 2026". That covers rent, medical bills, flat-rate expenses for your job and more. Claim in myAccount under Review your tax. How to claim tax back
2. Claim for someone else's medical bills
If you paid a parent's, partner's or child's medical bills, you can claim them: "Individuals may claim tax relief on their own health expenses, those of a family member or any individual, once they pay the expenses." Health expenses relief
3. Laser eye surgery counts, glasses do not
Glasses and contact lenses are out, but "Laser treatment for defective eyesight qualifies for relief". The full yes/no list
4. Ask your employer for tax-free vouchers instead of a cash bonus
"From 1 January 2025, you can give employees up to five small benefits, tax-free, each year." "These benefits must not be in cash and the combined value of the five benefits cannot exceed €1,500." The catch: one voucher over the limit is taxed in full. Small Benefit Exemption
5. Working carers: most of your pay may not count
For Carer's Allowance, "If you are single, €1,000 of your total weekly income is not taken into account". It is easy to assume a wage rules you out. The catch: the work hours limit still applies. Check working and caring
6. Living alone? Check you are getting the extra
"If you are aged 66 or over and live alone, you will qualify for the Living Alone Increase if you are getting one of the following payments:" There is also a version for people under 66 on certain payments. Living Alone Increase
7. Wait for a bigger State Pension
"If you were born on or after 1 January 1958, you can choose to claim the State Pension (Contributory) anytime between the ages of 66 and 70." Wait until 70 and the personal rate is higher: "Age 70 €363.90 €242.50 €326.40".
The catch: "Once you start claiming your State Pension (Contributory), you can no longer choose to defer your pension claim, even if you keep working." Deferring your pension
8. Your PRSI pays towards hearing aids
Treatment Benefit pays the "full cost of a hearing aid up to a maximum of €500 (€1,000 for a pair) once every 4 years", if you have enough PRSI. It is easy to miss. Treatment Benefit
Common questions
Are these loopholes legal?
Yes. Each one is part of the official rules, quoted on this page from Revenue or Citizens Information. They are just easy to miss.
How far back can I claim tax?
Four years. Claims for 2022 must be made by 31 December 2026.
Can I claim tax relief for my mother's medical bills?
Yes, if you paid them. Revenue allows relief on health expenses of a family member or any individual, once you pay the expenses.
Is it worth deferring my State Pension?
It can be: the rate is higher the later you claim, up to 70. But once you start claiming you cannot defer again, so check before you apply.
- Revenue: Four-year rule
- Revenue: What are qualifying expenses
- Revenue: 15 01 12.pdf
- Revenue: Small benefit exemption
- Citizens Information: Carers allowance
- Citizens Information: Living alone allowance
- Citizens Information: Deferring your state pension contributory
- Citizens Information: Treatment benefit scheme