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2026 tax · Tax credits

Tax credits in Ireland for 2026

Tax credits reduce the income tax you owe, euro for euro, after the 20% and 40% rates are applied. In 2026 a single PAYE worker gets a €2,000 personal credit and a €2,000 employee credit — €4,000 in total. There are further credits for renters, married couples and specific situations.

How credits work

First your income tax is worked out at 20% and 40%. Then your credits are subtracted from that figure. If your credits are larger than the tax due, your income tax is reduced to zero — you do not get the difference back as cash.

This is why a single person earning around €19,000 or less usually pays no income tax: the €4,000 of credits cancels out the 20% charge on that income.

Credits worth claiming

The rent tax credit is worth up to €1,000 for a single person and €2,000 for a couple, and runs to 2028. Many renters miss it. You can also claim relief on medical expenses and remote-working costs through your Revenue account.

Main tax credits, 2026
CreditAmount
Personal (single)€2,000
Personal (married)€4,000
Employee (PAYE)€2,000
Earned income (self-employed)€2,000
Rent (single)€1,000

See your own figures on the take-home pay calculator.

Tax credits — common questions

What tax credits am I entitled to in Ireland?
Most PAYE workers get the €2,000 personal credit and the €2,000 employee credit. Renters can claim up to €1,000 more, and there are credits for married couples, carers and others.
How do tax credits reduce my tax?
Credits are subtracted from the tax you owe after the 20% and 40% calculation. €4,000 of credits means €4,000 less income tax — but they cannot create a refund beyond your tax due.
Can I claim tax credits for previous years?
Yes. You can usually claim unclaimed credits and reliefs for the last four years through Revenue's myAccount.