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Tax Collection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (349)

Seán Canney

Question:

349. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance the amount his Department estimates it received in overpaid taxes in 2020 and 2021; his plans to make taxpayers aware of their overpayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2041/22]

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Written answers

Following engagement with the Deputy’s Office, I am advised that the Deputy’s Question specifically relates to PAYE taxpayers.

On that basis, it should be noted that PAYE taxpayers can claim a range of additional tax credits and reliefs in respect of various expenses incurred during a tax year.  The most common of which are health expenses, nursing home fees, tuition fees, remote working relief and stay and spend credit. To claim the additional credits and reliefs to which they may be entitled, PAYE taxpayers should complete an income tax return at the end of the tax year.

Where an income tax return is not completed, it is not possible for Revenue to know if a taxpayer may be due additional credits or reliefs and as such it is not possible to provide the Deputy with an estimate of potential overpaid income tax.  However, Revenue has confirmed that it has to date refunded €390 million to PAYE taxpayers in respect of 2020 and €57 million in respect of 2021.

In addition, Revenue has also confirmed that it issues reminder letters every year to taxpayers who did not claim any additional credits in the previous four years advising them that they may be entitled to further tax relief depending on their individual circumstances. The reminder letters also advise taxpayers of the four-year time limit in respect of submitting such claims.

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