Blind Person's Tax Credit Ireland 2025: How to Claim

The Blind Person's Tax Credit is a valuable tax relief available to individuals who are blind or have seriously impaired vision. If you or your spouse qualifies, this credit can reduce your tax bill by €1,650 or more per year—and you can claim for previous years too.

MyTaxRebate.ie helps people claim the Blind Person's Tax Credit alongside all other reliefs they're entitled to. Our specialists review your complete tax situation to ensure nothing is missed.

Who Qualifies for the Blind Person's Tax Credit?

You can claim this credit if you meet one of these definitions of blindness:

• Totally blind: Complete loss of sight in both eyes
• Severely impaired vision: Visual acuity of 6/60 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses
• Field of vision: Field of vision limited to 20 degrees or less
• Registered blind: Registered as blind with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)

If you're unsure whether you qualify, an ophthalmologist or registered optometrist can assess your vision and provide the necessary certification. The certification only needs to be obtained once and remains valid unless your condition changes significantly.

How Much is the Credit Worth?

Tax credits reduce your tax bill directly, euro for euro. A €1,650 credit means €1,650 less tax to pay—or €1,650 more in your refund if you've already overpaid. Unlike tax deductions which only reduce taxable income, tax credits provide a direct reduction in the amount of tax you owe.

Guide Dog Allowance

If you have a trained guide dog, you can claim an additional €825 per year on top of the Blind Person's Tax Credit. This allowance is intended to help cover the costs of keeping a guide dog, including:

• Food and veterinary care
• Equipment and accessories
• General maintenance costs

You'll need to provide evidence that you have a trained guide dog. This can be documentation from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind or an equivalent organisation.

How to Claim for Previous Years

If you've been entitled to the Blind Person's Tax Credit but haven't claimed it, you can backdate your claim for up to four years. This means in 2025, you can claim for:

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020 (deadline: 31st December 2024)

For five years of unclaimed credit, that's potentially €8,250 (single person) or €16,500 (couple where both are blind). Our specialists ensure you claim for all available years.

Other Tax Reliefs for Blind Persons

In addition to the Blind Person's Tax Credit, you may also be able to claim:

• Medical expenses relief on treatments and equipment related to your condition
• Rent tax credit if you're renting privately
• Working from home relief if you work remotely
• Any other standard reliefs available to PAYE workers

How MyTaxRebate.ie Maximises Your Claim

When you come to us for the Blind Person's Tax Credit, we don't just claim that one relief. We conduct a comprehensive review of your entire tax situation to ensure you receive every entitlement:

• Full 5-year review: We claim the Blind Person's Tax Credit for all available years
• Guide dog allowance: If applicable, we ensure this is included
• Medical expenses: Any related healthcare costs you may have had
• Other tax credits: Rent, working from home, flat rate expenses, and more
• Correct tax band: We verify your tax credits and cut-off points are accurate

Many clients who come for one specific relief are surprised to find they're owed additional money from other sources. Our comprehensive approach ensures nothing is overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions