Staying at home with small ones is a tough slog.
That and you tend to get left out of Government-led incentives that reward working mums and dads.
Still – if your spouse works there is one thing that you can claim: tax credits that could amount to several hundred euro in your back pocket.
Plenty of at stay-at-home mums and dads (of which there are around 80,000 in Ireland) don’t know it’s something that they’re entitled to also. So here’s is our at-a-glance guide:
1) What is it?
It’s called the home carer’s tax credit initiative.
2) How much is it worth?
The allowance is worth up to €1,200 a year – an increase of €100 on the 2017 allowance.
3) What about additional earnings?
You can earn up to €7,200 and still claim the full whack of €1,200. And if you earn between €7,200 and €9,600 you are entitled to a reduced amount.
4)Â It’s not just for children:
You can also claim the home carer’s credit for anyone aged 65 or over for whom you provide care, as well as an adult with a disability. The dependent person normally has to live with you and your spouse/civil partner in the tax year in order to quality.
5) How to apply:
You can claim Home Carer Tax Credit by using PAYE Anytime on the Revenue website. You can also complete Home Carer Tax Credit claim form.
