Thirty per cent of PAYE taxpayers overpaid in 2020.

According to the latest figures released by Revenue, 706,000 taxpayers are due a refund for this year alone and many of them could be in for a welcome windfall; the average tax refund claimed in 2020 was €1076 over four years.

Now Taxback.com has released a Customer Index 2020, to demonstrate exactly what you could and should claim for.

Tax refunds on medical and dental expenses were the most common tax reliefs claimed for in 2020, alongside Flat Rate Expenses and tuition fees. This year, more people are expected to avail of the eWorker relief and the Stay and Spend Scheme.

“We found this year that applicants over 35 stood to gain the most by claiming their tax entitlements, particularly if they hadn’t submitted a claim in the last four years,” said Marian Ryan, Consumer Tax Manager of Taxback.com.

“As people’s salaries increase, so too does the amount paid in tax, so it stands to reason that there are more lucrative refunds available for those in higher age, and likely pay, brackets.”

Those in the retail sector topped the list of people most active in claiming tax refunds, followed by builders and related trades and then those working in the hotel and bar trade.

The Taxback.com Tax Refund Top Ten

1. Medical Expenses
2. Tuition Fees
3. Flat Rate Expenses
4. Working from Home Relief
5. Home Carers Credit
6. Nursing Home Relief
7. Rent a Room Relief
8. Employing a Home Carer Tax Relief
9. Dependant Relative Credit
10. Home Renovation Incentive and Rent Relief (both have now been phased out but can still be claimed for retrospectively)

“Our top 10 list of industries shows the wide spectrum of claimant – essentially, irrespective of what your job is, if you have paid tax in the last four years there’s a good chance the Taxman owes you something by way of a relief or refund.” Ms. Ryan continued.