Cllr Christy O'Sullivan
PAYE workers in West Cork are missing out on huge tax-relief clawbacks - O’Sullivan
PAYE workers across West Cork are not claiming tax relief on a host of expenses, according to local Fianna Fáil Dáil candidate Cllr Christy O’Sullivan, who was highlighting a new Dáil report which showed that up to €350 million in tax relief could be going unclaimed in Ireland each year.
‘Taxpayers can claim tax relief on such expenses as medical, dental, refuse charges, trade union fees, rental accommodation and commuter travel tickets.
‘But it’s clear from this report, published by the Oireachtas Finance and Public Service Committee, that many of them are not claiming what they’re entitled to.
‘For its part, the Revenue is great at collecting tax but not so good at showing people how they can avoid over-paying tax.
‘Staggeringly, the report found that only half of trade union members claim their union dues.
‘I believe the rule that a taxpayer can only claim back expenses from the past four years should be scrapped.
‘The Revenue should be required to repay overpayments for all years - not just four years if overpayments have been made.
‘Many constituents have complained to me that the language used in Revenue publications is complex and convoluted.
‘So the Revenue should take a much more active role in providing information to the public and making them more aware of their entitlements.
‘I’d urge everyone to check what tax relief they’re entitled to and to take the time to fill out the forms.
‘It could well be time well spent,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan.