Paying tax in Ireland – your questions answered

Tax laws are like wine varietals – every country has its own take. Paying tax in Ireland has its upside: the revenue service functions very efficiently and there are lots of ways you can be due a refund. So, it’s to your advantage to be on the ball with your tax obligations in Ireland. Our partners Taxback.com have compiled this FAQ to help you get off on the right foot from the get-go, and save you money at the same time.

What documentation do I need when starting work in Ireland?

When you first start a job in Ireland you will need to give your employer your PPS number. This is like a social security number or an identity number. This will ensure that you are paying the correct rates of tax and will help you to avoid being emergency taxed.

Do I have to file a tax return?

If you are a PAYE employee, and don’t earn any income outside your normal salary, you’re not obliged to file a tax return in Ireland. However, it’s important to keep in mind that when you file your tax return, you will find out whether you are entitled to a tax refund!

If you earn income outside of the PAYE system you will need to file a self-assessed tax return.

Here are a couple of reasons why you may be obliged to file a self-assessed return:

• If you’re self-employed
• If you’re a landlord receiving rental income
• If you’re a contractor or sub-contractor
• If you receive any income in addition to your PAYE income, for example, profits from cryptocurrency or investments, capital gains etc.
• If you’re a director in a company
• If you belong to an employee share scheme

So, if any of the above apply to you, you will be considered a chargeable person and will have to file a self-assessed tax return by 31 October each year.

How can I claim my tax refund?

There are numerous reasons why people can be due a tax refund, such as, if you:

• Worked full or part time in Ireland
• Had medical or dental expenses
• Were made redundant
• Paid tuition fees for yourself or a loved one
• And many more!

You can file your tax return yourself through Revenue. Or if you’re not sure how to navigate the tricky paperwork, the tax experts at Taxback.com can help you out. Simply apply here and they will file your tax return and ensure that you claim your maximum tax refund amount.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

It takes approx. 2-4 weeks to receive your tax refund.

How many years can I claim a tax refund for?

Great news! You can claim a tax refund in Ireland going back four years. So, in 2022, you can claim a tax refund for 2018-2021. So, if you have never filed a tax return before, you can claim your refund for the past four years.