In short
Tax credits cover a full year. If you only worked over the summer or part-time, or started on emergency tax, there's a good chance you paid more than you needed to. You can claim it back for up to four years. Parents can also claim for some college costs.
Why students often overpay
- Emergency tax: starting a job before it's registered in myAccount, or before your employer has your PPS number, means you're taxed without your credits.
- Part-year work: if you only worked a few months, you may not have used all your credits for the year.
- Two jobs at once: credits can end up on the wrong job, so too much is deducted from the other.
Before you start a job
- Get a PPS number if you don't have one.
- Register for myAccount on revenue.ie.
- Add the new job in myAccount as soon as you start, and give your employer your PPS number.
What parents can claim
- Tuition fees relief: 20% relief on qualifying college fees above the yearly amount that can't be claimed. More on tuition relief
- Rent Tax Credit: rent paid for a student's accommodation while they attend an approved course may qualify. Rent Tax Credit guide
Going abroad after your course?
If you leave Ireland part-way through a year, you may be due a refund of unused credits. Leaving Ireland guide.
Sources
Revenue: Starting work, emergency tax, tuition fees and Rent Tax Credit, on revenue.ie. Add the exact page links before publishing ◆.
General information, not advice on your own situation. TaxMind checks your record before filing anything.
