There's a strict 4-year time limit for claiming tax back in Ireland. After this period, any unclaimed refunds are lost forever. In 2025, claims for 2021 expire at the end of December—don't miss out.
Our specialists help people claim all four years before deadlines pass. Here's what you need to know about time limits.
📊 Tax Refund Time Limits
- Time limit: 4 years from end of tax year
- In 2025: Can claim 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- 2021 deadline: 31 December 2025
- After deadline: Refund lost forever
The 4-Year Rule
Revenue allows you to claim tax refunds for up to 4 years after the tax year ends. Each January, you lose the ability to claim for another year.
⚠️ Act Now
If you haven't claimed for 2021, you must do so before 31 December 2025. Any emergency tax, medical expenses, or flat rate expenses from 2021 will be lost if not claimed.
What You Can Claim
For each of the four years, you can claim:
- Emergency tax refunds – from job changes
- Rent tax credit – from 2022 onwards
- Medical expenses – all four years
- Flat rate expenses – all four years
- SPCCC – all four years
- WFH relief – all four years
💡 Real Example
James waited until December 2024 to check his tax. We found emergency tax from 2020—but the deadline had passed. He missed €1,200 that was rightfully his. Don't let this happen to you—claim all four years now.
Why Claim Now?
Don't wait until December:
- Processing time: Claims take time to process
- Documents needed: May need time to gather information
- Year-end busy: Revenue processes more claims late year
The average refund our clients receive is €1,080.
Don't Miss the Deadline
Claim all four years now before 2021 expires.
Start Your Free Review →No refund, no fee • Average refund €1,080 • TAIN: 77632V
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for years before 2021?
Unfortunately not—2020 and earlier are now outside the 4-year window. Those refunds are lost.
When does 2025 become claimable?
From January 2026, you can claim for 2025 tax. At that point, 2021 will no longer be claimable.
Can I extend the deadline?
No—the 4-year rule is statutory and cannot be extended for any reason.