When you're put on emergency tax in Ireland, you can lose up to 52% of your pay to tax. The good news is that this excess tax is fully refundable once your tax situation is sorted. But how much can you actually expect to get back? This guide breaks down the average emergency tax refund amounts based on real data.
MyTaxRebate.ie has processed thousands of emergency tax claims. Our data shows that refund amounts vary significantly based on how long you were on emergency tax and your income level during that period.
How Emergency Tax Works
When Revenue doesn't have your tax details, they instruct your employer to deduct tax at emergency rates. Emergency tax follows a specific pattern:
- •Weeks 1-4: Tax is calculated using the standard rate cut-off point on a cumulative basis
- •After Week 4: All income is taxed at 40% with no tax credits applied
This means the longer you're on emergency tax, the more you overpay - and the larger your refund will be.
Average Refund Amounts by Duration
| Time on Emergency Tax | Average Refund | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-typically processed efficiently | €150 - €400 | €50 - €600 |
| 1-may require additional processing time | €400 - €1,000 | €200 - €1,500 |
| 3-may require additional processing time | €1,000 - €2,500 | €500 - €4,000 |
| 6-12 months | €2,500 - €5,000 | €1,500 - €8,000+ |
Important: These are indicative averages. Your actual refund depends on your income level, duration on emergency tax, and other factors. MyTaxRebate.ie can calculate your exact entitlement.
Factors That Affect Your Refund Amount
Your Income Level
Higher earners pay more emergency tax in absolute terms, so they typically receive larger refunds. However, even workers on modest incomes can be owed significant amounts relative to their pay.
Tax Credits You're Entitled To
On emergency tax, you receive no tax credits. Once regularised, you're entitled to credits including:
- ✓Personal Tax Credit - €2,000
- ✓Employee Tax Credit - €2,000
- ✓Additional credits you may qualify for (rent, single parent, etc.)
Whether You Were Already Employed
If you changed jobs and ended up on emergency tax, your refund may be even larger as your tax credits might have been incorrectly split between employers.
Real Example Calculations
Example: Sarah, office worker earning €35,000/year
On emergency tax for may require additional processing time after starting new job
- Emergency tax paid: €1,847
- Tax that should have been paid: €623
- Refund received: €1,224
Example: Mark, construction worker earning €45,000/year
On emergency tax for full year (moved from overseas)
- Emergency tax paid: €17,640
- Tax that should have been paid: €7,280
- Refund received: €10,360
How to Claim Your Emergency Tax Refund
MyTaxRebate.ie handles the entire process for you:
- 1.Complete our 2-minute form with your basic details
- 2.We review your tax records for the past 4 years
- 3.We calculate your exact refund entitlement
- 4.We file your claim with Revenue
- 5.Refund paid directly to your bank account
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an emergency tax refund take?
Once your claim is submitted to Revenue, most refunds are processed within 5-10 working days. The total time from starting your claim with MyTaxRebate.ie to receiving your refund is typically 1-typically processed promptly.
Can I claim emergency tax refunds from previous years?
Yes. You can claim refunds for the current tax year plus the previous 4 years. If you were on emergency tax in any of those years, you're still entitled to a refund.
What if I'm still on emergency tax?
MyTaxRebate.ie can help you get off emergency tax and claim back any overpaid tax. We'll ensure your tax credits are properly applied going forward too.
Do I need any documents to claim?
You just need your PPS number to get started. MyTaxRebate.ie accesses your Revenue records directly through our professional tax agent connection, so no payslips or P45s are required.
Find Out Your Emergency Tax Refund
Get your refund calculation - no obligation
Calculate My Refund Now →No refund, no fee • Takes 2 minutes • 4 years reviewed