Have You Claimed All Your Tax Credits?

As tax return season fast approaches, it’s time to make sure you’re getting every tax credit you’re entitled to. Many people miss out simply because they haven’t told their accountant about all their personal circumstances.

Here’s a quick look at three valuable tax credits you might be able to claim — and what you need to know about each.

1. Incapacitated Child Tax Credit

If you have a child who is permanently incapacitated, you may qualify for the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit.

This credit applies if your child is:

• Under 18 years of age and permanently incapacitated (physically or mentally), or
• Over 18 years of age and unable to maintain themselves due to a permanent incapacity that arose:
• Before they turned 21, or
• While they were in full-time education or training for at least two years.

To qualify, the incapacity must be such that the child is unlikely to ever be able to support themselves — even with the benefit of treatment, devices, or therapy.

If you are not the parent but have custody and maintain the child at your own expense, you may also claim this credit. Only one credit can be claimed per child, but if more than one person maintains the child, the credit may be divided between them.

2. Dependant Relative Tax Credit

Do you help support a relative who can’t maintain themselves? You may be entitled to the Dependant Relative Tax Credit if you maintain a relative (or your spouse’s or civil partner’s relative) at your own expense.

To qualify, the person you support must be:

• A relative unable to maintain themselves due to old age or infirmity
• A widowed father or mother (whether incapacitated or not)
• A parent who is a surviving civil partner
• Or a child who lives with you and whose services you depend on due to your own age or infirmity.

There’s no requirement for the relative to live in Ireland — but if you’re claiming for a child who is your carer, they must live with you in Ireland, and their income must not exceed €18,028 (from 1 January 2025).

If you’re claiming for a relative living abroad, you’ll need to show that you substantially maintain them and that they are unable to maintain themselves due to old age or infirmity.

3. Rent Tax Credit

If you’re renting your home, or paying rent for your child’s accommodation while they attend an approved course, you may qualify for the Rent Tax Credit. For 2024 and 2025, the maximum annual value of this credit is:

• €2,000 for jointly assessed married couples or civil partners
• €1,000 for single individuals

You may claim the credit for rent paid on:

• Your principal private residence
• Accommodation you rent to attend work or an approved course
• A property your child rents while attending an approved course

The amount you can claim depends on how much rent and income tax you pay. Note that payments for utilities, board, or laundry do not count as rent.

Don’t Miss Out

These are just a few of the tax credits available to Irish taxpayers — and many people don’t realise they qualify until it’s too late. You can review and resubmit your tax returns for the current year, as well as for the three years prior.

If you think you might be entitled to any of these credits, or want to review your full entitlements, get in touch with our team today.

Contact our offices to make sure you’re getting every credit you deserve this tax season.