Going to work in Ireland? Tax refunds explained

If you're going to Ireland to work it's important to knowthrough a self-assessment tax return.
a few Irish tax facts to make sure you don't end upIf you've started work already in Ireland you will be
losing your money.paying 20% income tax on earnings up to
When you start work in Ireland you need to make€35,400 and 41% on any earnings over that, as
sure you give your employer your PPS Number sowell as paying PRSI contributions. PRSI is made up of
you avoid paying emergency tax – which issocial insurance and health contributions.
much higher than the normal Ireland tax rates. AClaim your Ireland taxes back
Personal Public Service (PPS) number is the uniqueThe Irish tax year is from January 1st to December
reference number issued to you by the Department of31st and you have up to four years to claim any
Social and Family Affairs. It enables you to work, payoverpaid tax back. You can apply for your 2009 PRSI
taxes and access public services in Ireland.refund at the end of the tax year or now as far back
PAYE and Self-employed taxas 2003
Once you start working you will need to pay IrelandIf you want to find out how much you could be owed,
tax either as a PAYE employee (if you're ayou can use a free online tax refund calculator.
receptionist, nurse or a teacher for example) or asTo claim your Ireland tax refund, you need to file a tax
self-employed person, such as a constructionreturn. A tax return is the annual submission of tax
subcontractor.forms documenting your earnings, taxes paid,
If you're a PAYE (Pay as You Earn) worker, such asdeductable expenses and allowances that you send to
a receptionist or a teacher, your employer will deductthe tax office for review. They review it according to
these taxes and PRSI from your earnings.the information submitted by your employer and the
If you're self-employed, such as a constructioncurrent laws that apply to your case.
subcontractor, or if you have any additional incomeIf you get a tax refund, this means the tax office
outside of your PAYE earnings, you are responsiblereview found you had overpaid Irish tax and were due
for your own tax and must declare all your incomesome back.