Tax idiot looking for some advice on how and what I can claim

munkifisht

Hi there,

I am very lazy in doing anything about my tax, but like allot of people, this year I can't really afford to be anymore. So I finally got around to signing up for my PAYE anytime, and while it is all very well laid out, I am not sure what I can claim and what I can't, so if anyone can tell me I would greatly appreciate it before I go and make a complete hames of it.

A) In 2008 I was working as an Engineer for most of the year part time. I do see that under flat rate expenses Engineering & Electrical is listed. I've looked into it and the list seems kind of vague in defining roles in this area. Does this cover me as a "Skilled Worker" ie a qualified engineer?

I did join a Union part way through 2010. Can I claim for trade union subs for this year?

C) I now work in a Hospital as a technician. Does anyone know if this is covered under the flat rate expenses (I would have assumed that this would tend to be covered at source seeming as it's PS)

D) Is everyone entitled to the PAYE tax credit, inc those working in the public sector? I had assumed I was paying PAYE still

relax carry on

munkifisht wrote: »

Hi there,

I am very lazy in doing anything about my tax, but like allot of people, this year I can't really afford to be anymore. So I finally got around to signing up for my PAYE anytime, and while it is all very well laid out, I am not sure what I can claim and what I can't, so if anyone can tell me I would greatly appreciate it before I go and make a complete hames of it.

A) In 2008 I was working as an Engineer for most of the year part time. I do see that under flat rate expenses Engineering & Electrical is listed. I've looked into it and the list seems kind of vague in defining roles in this area. Does this cover me as a "Skilled Worker" ie a qualified engineer?

I did join a Union part way through 2010. Can I claim for trade union subs for this year?

C) I now work in a Hospital as a technician. Does anyone know if this is covered under the flat rate expenses (I would have assumed that this would tend to be covered at source seeming as it's PS)

D) Is everyone entitled to the PAYE tax credit, inc those working in the public sector? I had assumed I was paying PAYE still

Using the site works out like this since its colour coded:

Green for what you have already claimed (should include the default personal and PAYE credit)
Blue for what you MAY be able to claim depending on your personal circumstances. As everyones tax affairs are unique to them, only you can answer what you can claim. Click the help button associated with each credit and have a read of the information which pops up.
Grey for what you can't claim for based on your age/marital status.

Regarding the flat rate expenses, the link below shows an excel spreadsheet with all flat rate expenses on it. If your profession or job is not listed then do not claim any relief. There are some jobs which do not get any flat rate expenses.

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/flat-rate-expenses.xls

Trade union expenses can be claimed for the full year as its a standard credit.