Quick answer
- PAYE taxpayers usually claim through Revenue myAccount.
- Self-assessed taxpayers usually claim through their Income Tax Return.
- You should gather rental details before starting the claim.
- The calculator can help estimate the amount before you file.
Rent Tax Credit Calculator
Open this Irish calculator to test your own numbers and compare the result with the guide.
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Before you log in: decide which claim route you need
The correct Revenue route depends on the year you are claiming. If you are claiming for a completed year, you normally claim through an Income Tax Return for that year. If you are a PAYE taxpayer claiming for rent paid in 2026, Revenue says you can claim in-year through myAccount. This difference matters because the screens and result can feel different. A previous-year claim may lead to a refund if you overpaid Income Tax. A current-year claim may update your tax credits so less Income Tax is taken from future payslips.
| Claim type | Typical route | Result to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Previous tax years 2022–2025 | Complete Income Tax Return in myAccount | Possible refund after Revenue processes the return. |
| Current year 2026 for PAYE taxpayer | Manage your tax for current year → Add new credits | Updated tax credits may reduce Income Tax on future payslips. |
| Self-assessed taxpayer | ROS / Form 11 route | Claimed as part of the annual Income Tax Return process. |
Method 1: claim for previous tax years in myAccount
Use this route when the tax year has already ended, such as a 2024 or 2025 claim. Revenue’s published steps for PAYE taxpayers are:
- Sign into Revenue myAccount.
- Open the PAYE Services section.
- Choose “Review your tax for the previous 4 years”.
- Request a Statement of Liability for the year you want to claim.
- Click “Complete your Income Tax Return”.
- Go to the Tax Credits & Reliefs page.
- Choose “You and your family”.
- Select “Rent Tax Credit”.
- Complete the requested rental details and submit the Income Tax Return.
Before submitting, check that the rent amount excludes extras and that the claim year matches the rent actually paid. If you moved during the year, keep the details for each property clear.
Method 2: claim for 2026 during the year
For PAYE taxpayers claiming the credit in-year for rent paid in 2026, Revenue says the route is different:
- Sign into myAccount.
- Go to the PAYE Services section.
- Click “Manage your tax for the current year”.
- Click “Add new credits”.
- Under “You and Your family”, claim the Rent Tax Credit.
This does not mean Revenue pays the full credit to your bank immediately. An in-year claim normally works through your tax credits, so your future PAYE Income Tax deductions may reduce if the claim is accepted. You can also claim the 2026 credit later by completing your 2026 Income Tax Return in 2027.
Information to gather before starting the form
- The tax year you are claiming for.
- Property address and rental period.
- Total qualifying rent paid during that year.
- Any bills, meals, laundry or other extras that must be excluded.
- Landlord or letting agent name and contact details.
- RTB tenancy number where applicable.
- Payment records such as bank transfers or receipts.
- Details of any housing support, landlord relationship or student/parent situation.
Revenue says you should provide as much information as possible about the rental arrangement and retain records so they can be provided if requested.
Common mistakes during the claim
| Mistake | Why it causes problems | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Claiming the wrong year | The cap and rent period may not match. | Use rent actually paid in that tax year. |
| Including bills or deposits | Only rent for use of the property should be used. | Remove utilities, deposits and extras before calculating. |
| No RTB number where relevant | Revenue may ask for it later and the credit can be withdrawn if it remains unavailable. | Take reasonable steps to get the number before claiming. |
| Ignoring HAP or Rent Supplement | Supported-tenant status can block the claim. | Check exclusions before filing. |
| Using total household rent | Flatmates may pay different portions. | Use only the claimant’s own eligible rent paid. |
Use the calculator before submitting
The calculator is useful before you claim because it helps you sense-check the rent amount, cap and Income Tax limit. If the calculator shows a low result, the reason may be partial-year rent, an older tax year, single filing status or low Income Tax liability. If it shows zero due to an exclusion, read the eligibility guide before going further.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim Rent Tax Credit through Revenue myAccount?
Yes, PAYE taxpayers normally use Revenue myAccount. The exact route depends on whether you are claiming for a previous year or the current year.
How do I claim for 2025?
Revenue says PAYE taxpayers can claim for 2025 by completing the 2025 Income Tax Return in myAccount.
How do I claim for 2026?
Revenue says PAYE taxpayers can claim in-year for rent paid in 2026 through myAccount by using Manage your tax for the current year and Add new credits.
Can I claim for 2026 later instead?
Yes. Revenue says you can alternatively claim the credit for 2026 by completing your 2026 Income Tax Return in 2027.
Do I need the RTB number before claiming?
Revenue says you should take reasonable steps to obtain it where applicable. You may not be blocked immediately, but Revenue may ask later and the credit may be withdrawn if the number remains unavailable.
Do self-assessed taxpayers use myAccount?
Revenue says self-assessed taxpayers claim for previous years through their annual Income Tax Return in ROS.
Will my employer see my rent details?
Your employer normally receives payroll tax credit information, not the full details of your rental arrangement. Revenue manages the claim.
Should I keep rent records after claiming?
Yes. Revenue says you should retain records related to the rental arrangement so you can provide them if requested.
Sources & references
Related calculators
Use these tools for the numbers behind this guide.