If you worked in any of these countries, you could be due a Tax Refund

Can I claim tax back from my Covid tests in Ireland?

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Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, countless Covid tests have been performed around Ireland.

One aspect of the pandemic that is often overlooked is the cost that many people have incurred for tests.

Tests range from PCR tests that give results within 24 hours, to rapid antigen tests that show results within an hour.

One thing most people who have had to pay for a Covid test will know is - they are quite expensive!

A pre-departure Covid PCR test at Dublin airport will cost you €95, while a private antigen test will set you back €49.

Unsure whether you could be due tax back for any tests that you had to take?

In this blog we’ll outline all you need to know about Covid tests and tax refunds!

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Can I get a refund from a Covid test that I paid for?

In short, yes.

Tax relief is currently available where an individual incurs “health expenses” for health care which is carried out by, or on the advice of a practitioner.

So, if you spent money getting a COVID-19 test on the advice of a healthcare professional, you will be entitled to make a claim for tax relief.

What will I need to claim my Covid test refund?

Receipts, receipts, receipts!

These are key to claiming any expenses, whether it be medical, dental, or work-related.

You will need receipts as proof that your test actually took place!

You can keep electronic or paper records of your receipts, so long as you have the necessary information from the front and back.

It’s always a good idea to keep both with one for backup!

My PCR test was free. Can I claim tax back for the cost of transportation?

No.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim tax back on the cost of transportation to your test.

Claiming tax back on travel expenses is only allowed if you have to go outside Ireland due to a medical condition for which no treatment is available in Ireland.

The same goes for any antigen tests you may have taken at home - you will not be able to claim tax relief on the cost of these.


What about the cost of my mask?

As of now, Revenue have yet to decide whether face masks qualify as a medical expense or not.

This is likely down to the fact that face masks have been made mandatory within the past year-and-a-half. Revenue is likely still considering its position on the issue.

However, don’t be surprised if in the near future you will be able to get tax relief on face coverings.

After all, some countries across the world, such as Australia, are already offering this incentive.

So make sure you keep your receipts!

Check out our guide with everything you'll need to know about claiming tax back on face masks.

Can I claim tax back on the costs of paracetamol and other Covid remedies?

No, you will not be able to claim tax back on these types of medicines.

The only way you will be able to claim tax back for a Covid remedy is if it was prescribed to you by your doctor.

Medicines prescribed by your doctor are available for tax back at a rate of 20%.

Can I claim tax back if I buy the antigen tests at a petrol station or pharmacy?

The answer here is also no.

These do not qualify as medical expenses in Ireland.


What are the medical expenses that I can claim tax relief for?

The good news is you could be due tax back in Ireland on a wide range of medical expenses.

However, you should know that for it to be eligible it needs to be carried out by a registered medical practitioner.

Most eligible health expenses can be claimed at the standard rate of tax - 20%.

1. Doctor Fees

This is the most common tax relief that Irish taxpayers claim.

If you pay €60 every time you visit your GP, you will be due €12 of it back.

Therefore, you can imagine how you may be due a lot back if you have visited the GP regularly.

 

2. Physiotherapy

While physio can often be quite expensive - it can make the difference between your muscles being in a lot of pain or your body feeling good.

The great news is that if you have splashed a lot of cash on physio recently, you can claim 20% of the bills you paid at your sessions.

However, you can claim a relief on the above if you are prescribed, referred or advised to, by a practitioner.

 

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3. Non-routine dental procedures

Again, a successful trip to the dentist can ease any pain that may be ongoing in your mouth.

So why not claim your refund for dental expenses now?

Remember routine treatments such as filings, scaling or cleaning are not allowed for relief. 

You can claim relief for non-routine dental care only (crowns, inlays, tip replacing, root canal treatment, braces, bridgework and other). 

You must have the dentist complete a Form MED2 for your claim.

Check out this blog that lists all the medical expenses you are entitled to claim as tax refunds.


 

Who can help me claim my tax refund?

Taxback.com!

By choosing Taxback.com, you'll be 100% guaranteed to receive your maximum legal tax refund. 

Feel free to use our no obligation tax back calculator to find out how much tax you are due back.

The process to claim your refund is so easy too - the money will be transferred straight into your bank account once all the necessary paperwork is complete!

To claim your tax back in Ireland easily and quickly online with us, get started by completing this form.

About The Author

Rory Lynskey - Digital Content Executive @ Taxback.com

Rory is the Digital Content Executive at Taxback.com. Rory graduated from Technological University Dublin with a degree in Journalism in 2019, and has had his work published both online and in print at a national and regional level.

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