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📋 Official Revenue Guidance: See Revenue.ie - PAYE Tax Refunds for official rules and eligibility criteria.
Average Emergency Tax Refund Amounts Ireland 2025
Typical emergency tax refund amounts by income level, duration affected, and employment type. Understanding what you're likely owed and factors affecting refund size.
Average Refund by Duration
| Weeks on Emergency Tax | €30K Salary | €40K Salary | €50K Salary | €60K Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | €400 | €550 | €700 | €850 |
| 4 weeks | €800 | €1,100 | €1,400 | €1,700 |
| 8 weeks | €1,600 | €2,200 | €2,800 | €3,400 |
| 12 weeks | €2,400 | €3,300 | €4,200 | €5,100 |
Factors Affecting Refund Amount
1. Weekly/Monthly Salary
Higher salaries create larger refunds because emergency tax takes larger absolute amount. €60K earner pays €1,154/week emergency tax vs. €576/week correct tax = €578 weekly overpayment. €30K earner overpays €288/week.
2. Duration on Emergency Tax
Each week on emergency tax adds to refund. 2 weeks = modest refund. 12 weeks = substantial refund of €2,400-€5,000+ depending on salary.
3. Tax Credits Not Applied
Emergency tax applies zero credits. Single PAYE worker entitled to €3,550 annual credits (€68/week). Every emergency tax week means €68 credit not applied = automatic overpayment.
4. USC Overpayment
8% flat USC vs. normal 0.5%-4% creates significant overpayment. €40K earner: emergency USC = €3,200 annually vs. normal €800 = €2,400 annual overpayment or €46/week.
Employment Type Impact
Full-time PAYE: Largest refunds due to higher credits (personal + PAYE). Average €1,200 for 4-week emergency period.
Part-time PAYE: Moderate refunds. Lower salary but full credits still apply. Average €600 for 4-week period.
Multiple jobs: Variable refunds. Second jobs often have fewer credits allocated. Average €400-€800 per 4-week emergency period.
Ready to Claim Your Tax Refund?
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Start Your Free Assessment →Real Refund Examples
Example 1: €35K Nurse, 3 Weeks
Gross: €673/week. Emergency deductions: €350/week. Correct deductions: €125/week.
Refund: €675 (€225/week × 3 weeks)
Example 2: €55K IT Worker, 6 Weeks
Gross: €1,058/week. Emergency deductions: €550/week. Correct deductions: €275/week.
Refund: €1,900 (€275/week × 6 weeks)
When Refunds Are Processed
Automatic through wages: Once emergency tax corrects, employer refunds through next payslip. No delay beyond normal pay cycle.
Year-end claim: If not corrected during year, refund processed within 3-6 weeks DIY or 5-10 days with professional help.
Professional expedited: MyTaxRebate.ie secures refunds in 5-10 days regardless of whether emergency tax corrected.
Key Points
- Average emergency tax refund: €1,200 across all income levels and durations
- Higher earners receive larger refunds due to higher absolute overpayments
- Longer emergency tax periods create proportionally larger refunds
- All emergency tax overpayment is fully refundable - no losses despite high rates
- Refunds processed quickly - 5-10 days with professional help vs. 3-6 weeks DIY
📅 Last Updated: January 15, 2025
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- Review your full tax history (going back 4 years)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I claim a PAYE tax refund in Ireland?
You can claim PAYE tax refunds for the last 4 years. In 2025, you can claim back to 2021.
What is the average PAYE tax refund in Ireland?
Our clients receive an average refund of €1080+. Claims can be higher with multiple years.
How long does it take to get a PAYE refund?
Once Revenue approves your claim, refunds typically arrive within 3-5 working days.
Do I need receipts to claim a tax refund?
For most PAYE refunds (tax credits, flat rate expenses), no receipts are needed.
