Tens of thousands of people are missing out by failing to claim back valuable tax refunds, according to Galway East TD and Minister of State for Rural Affairs Seán Canney.
A recent survey published by TaxBack.Com showed that only 86,000 one-income families out of 150,000 qualifying families have claimed the annual Home Carer Credit worth up to €1,500.
The credit is available for single-income married couples or civil partners, where one person is caring for a child under 18 or for someone over 65 or for someone with a disability.
The survey also showed there has been low take up of the 20% tax relief available for private health insurance and qualifying medical and dental expenses.
Minister Canney said: “It is very important for family incomes to ensure that everyone claims their full tax refund entitlements.
“Tax refunds are available for a whole range of costs, for example GP visits, Accident and Emergency visits without a doctor’s referral, outpatient expenses and certain types of dental treatment.
“There has been particularly low take up of the Home Carer Credit.
“I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with their entitlements and make sure they are claimed.”
Tax refunds are available within a four-year window, which means up to between €4,000 and €5,400 could be claimed back by someone who has not claimed anything to date.
The Home Carer Credit was increased in the last Budget from €1,200 to €1,500.
To get the credit, the carer’s own income must be under €7,200. A reduced credit applies if the carer’s income is between €7,200 and €9,200.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
June 7 2019