5 questions answered: How to claim tax credits when you’re a stay-at-home parent

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)  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.