Tax refunds available for the unemployed

If you have been made unemployed but have previously paid tax in the current tax  year then you may be able to claim a refund on someof your tax.  There are as always a number of conditions but the revenue website is clear and easy to follow in its instructions.

The main requirement is that you must have paid tax in the current tax year prior to your being made unemployed. The tax year starts on January 1st. if you have paid tax since that date and have then been made unemployed, you will be able to claim a protion of this tax back. If you have not paid Income tax in the current year then you cannot claim a refund.

You should apply for a tax refund immediately on commencing unemployment if you have been paying emergency tax to that time. You Should apply approximately 4 weeks after commencing unemployment in general , however there is a recommended 8 week lead time if you are in recent of any other taxable incomes which might be claiming the increased tax credits.

The level of tax refundable will then be calculated based on the length of time you have been unemployed, the amount of income tax you have paid in the current tax year and the leveloftaxcredits you have used.

In order to apply you should submit a form P50 and parts 2 & 3 of your P45 to your district revenue office. the following download is from the revenue website.

You should complete Form P50 and send it to your district office together with Form P45 (Parts 2 & 3) given to you by your former employer (PDF, 83KB)

Further information is available from the Revenue website here