Every Irish citizen is entitled to a number of tax benefits, regardless of income.
However, many people are unaware what benefits they can claim back on their taxes. And with cost of living going up, this money could cover some bills in your home.
In a Reddit forum focused on Irish living hacks, one user explained that he has found many people to be unaware of one particular money-back scheme.
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When it comes to medical expenses in Ireland, there are a number of means-tested supports, to help with the cost of any medical care and medicine required by those earning under a certain amount per year.
However, every citizen is entitled to claim tax back on their dental and medical receipts, including prescription medicine.
The person wrote on Reddit saying: “Keep your medical and dental receipts (including prescription meds) and claim on your tax for them at the end of the year.
“The amount of people who don't know they can do it is shocking. You don't get much but it's better in your pocket. On the subject of prescription medication, if you don't have a medical card, get yourself a Drugs Payment Scheme card.
“It limits the amount you (or your family) pay on (most) prescription medication to €80 per month. It's a bit sh*t for individuals, but for families, it's well worth it, especially if someone has asthma or other chronic illness. It's not means-tested, and you can use the receipts against your tax as per above.”
According to the Revenue, qualifying health expenses are for health care you have paid for.
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The extensive list of qualifying health expenses includes:
- doctor’s and consultant’s services
- routine and maternity care for women during pregnancy
- diagnostic procedures recommended by a practitioner
- services in hospitals or treatment facilities such as clinics, where the services are either: provided by a practitioner or diagnostic procedures recommended by a practitioner
- transport by ambulance
- in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- acupuncture (only where provided by a practitioner)
- non-routine dental care
- treatment from a psychologist or psychotherapist where either: the psychologist or psychotherapist is a practitioner or you are referred for a diagnostic procedure by a practitioner
- additional expenses of health care for a child: suffering from a life-threatening illness or permanent disability or who needs speech and language therapy or educational psychological assessment
- additional expenses for a kidney patient
- nursing home and additional nursing care expenses.
You can also claim relief on the following if you are prescribed, referred, or advised to, by a practitioner:
- Drugs and medicines
- Orthoptic or similar treatment (treatment for squints and eye movement disorders).
- Physiotherapy or similar treatment (such as a chiropractor, osteopath, or bonesetter).
- Podiatry or chiropody costs
- Special diet expenses for coeliacs and diabetics
- Cost of purchasing, maintaining, and repairing medical, surgical, dental, or nursing appliances. This includes hearing aids
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