Filing your Form 11 income tax return can feel daunting, especially if you’re self-employed, a landlord, or a proprietary director. The good news is that Ireland’s tax system provides a variety of tax credits, reliefs and allowances that can significantly reduce your final tax bill — if you know how to claim them.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main ones to keep in mind when completing your Form 11 — and how TaxReturned.ie can help you make sure nothing is overlooked.
What Are Tax Credits, Reliefs and Allowances?
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Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. For example, if your tax liability is €5,000 and you have €1,700 in credits, you’ll only pay €3,300.
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Tax reliefs allow you to deduct certain payments or expenses from your taxable income, or to get a portion back at your marginal tax rate.
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Allowances generally reduce the portion of your income that is subject to tax.
When filing Form 11, knowing the difference helps you identify all possible ways to cut down your liability.
Common Tax Credits to Claim in Form 11
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Personal Tax Credit – €1,875 (single) or €3,750 (married / civil partners).
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Earned Income Credit – up to €1,875 for self-employed and proprietary directors.
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PAYE Credit – if you also have PAYE income alongside self-employment.
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Home Carer Credit – up to €1,800 where one spouse stays at home to care for dependants.
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Age Tax Credit – up to €245 (single) or €490 (couple) if aged 65 or over.
Key Reliefs That Reduce Your Tax Bill
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Pension Contributions – relief at your marginal rate, within limits.
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Medical Expenses – many unreimbursed medical costs can be claimed at 20%.
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Tuition Fees – relief available for approved third-level courses.
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Health Insurance (TRS) – usually applied at source but worth checking in your return.
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Rental Deductions for Landlords – mortgage interest, repairs, insurance, and more.
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Start-Up Reliefs – including SURE and “Start Your Own Business” exemptions.
Allowances Worth Considering
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Capital Allowances on business or rental assets.
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Loss Relief if your business makes a loss.
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Dependent Relative Credit for supporting a dependent family member.
Why This Matters
Even small credits and reliefs add up. For example:
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A €5,000 pension contribution could save up to €2,000 in tax.
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Landlords deducting legitimate expenses can reduce taxable rental income by thousands.
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Claiming the Personal and Earned Income Credits together saves €3,750.
But many self-assessed individuals miss out because they don’t claim correctly.
Filing Your Tax Return with TaxReturned.ie
Completing your Form 11 is about more than just declaring income — it’s about making sure you’re not paying a cent more than you need to. That’s where TaxReturned.ie can help:
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We review your situation to ensure you’re claiming every credit and relief you’re entitled to.
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We handle the Form 11 process via ROS on your behalf, saving you time and stress.
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We check your return for accuracy and compliance, reducing the risk of Revenue queries.
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Most importantly, we make sure you keep more of your hard-earned income.
Instead of struggling through the paperwork or worrying about missing something, let our experienced team take care of it for you.
Final Thoughts
Form 11 doesn’t just calculate what you owe — it’s also your opportunity to claim back what you’re entitled to. By making full use of available tax credits, reliefs, and allowances, you can legally reduce your liability.
At TaxReturned.ie, we specialise in helping individuals, landlords, and self-employed professionals file accurate returns and maximise their savings.
👉 Ready to file your Form 11? Start today with TaxReturned.ie and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.