Taxpayers missing out on €800 refunds

THOUSANDS of taxpayers are missing out on windfalls of around €800 each by not reclaiming what is owed to them, despite record numbers getting refunds.

Revenue has already given back €323 million to taxpayers in the first six months of this year after paying out a record €648m last year. This was up from the €585m it handed back in 2008.

However, it has been estimated that as much as €420m is going unclaimed each year by PAYE workers who are not claiming back tax credits on medical expenses, bin charges and trade union subscriptions. People can also claim for things such as rental expenses and dental fees.