Poll highlights confusion over tax relief entitlements

Around one million taxpayers in this country don't know what tax relief they're entitled to, according to a nationwide poll published today, leading to them losing out on tens of millions of euro every year.

The survey, which was carried out by Red C for the Irish Taxation Institute and the Sunday Business Post found, that about half the country's taxpayers do not claim tax relief on many items that they are entitled to.

Things like medical expenses are costing the taxpayer as much as €50m a year, and 55% of people who pay PAYE don't claim tax relief on bin charges.

The poll highlights the confusion that exists among taxpayers when it comes to tax breaks.

Two in five feel they don't understand the system, while almost half of respondents said they didn’t know all the reliefs they are entitled to.

On foot of the survey, the Irish Taxation Institute is calling for a tax reform commission to examine the tax structure and recommend changes.