Driver Flat Rate Expenses Guide for Ireland

Professional drivers in Ireland can claim flat rate expenses to cover the cost of work-related items like uniforms, protective clothing, and equipment. If you're a lorry driver, bus driver, or delivery driver, you may be entitled to automatic tax deductions that many workers don't even know about.

At MyTaxRebate.ie, our TAIN-registered specialists help drivers across Ireland claim their full entitlements. We find that most drivers have never claimed these expenses—and can claim back up to 4 years' worth of missed deductions.

What Are Flat Rate Expenses?

Flat rate expenses are fixed tax deductions allowed by Revenue for certain occupations. Instead of keeping receipts for work-related purchases, you get an automatic annual deduction based on your job. This deduction reduces your taxable income, which means you pay less tax.

For example, if you're a HGV driver entitled to €350 per year and you pay tax at 20%, you save €70 annually. At the 40% rate, you save €140 per year. Over 4 backdated years, that's up to €560 back in your pocket.

Flat Rate Expenses by Driver Type

Different types of drivers qualify for different flat rate expense amounts. Here's what you can claim based on your role:

What Expenses Does the FRE Cover?

The flat rate expense for drivers covers the typical costs associated with the job, including:

• Uniforms and branded clothing: Company shirts, jackets, high-vis vests
• Protective gear: Safety boots, gloves, protective clothing
• Cleaning and maintenance: Washing uniforms, maintaining work clothing
• Small tools and equipment: Straps, torches, basic tools for loading/unloading

The advantage of flat rate expenses is that you don't need to keep receipts—Revenue has already agreed that these are typical costs for your occupation.

How Much Could You Save?

Your actual tax saving depends on your marginal tax rate. Here's what drivers can save:

Backdated Claims: Up to 4 Years

If you've never claimed flat rate expenses, you can backdate your claim for up to 4 years. For an HGV driver at the 40% rate, that's:

• €140 × 4 years = €560 potential refund

Combined with other reliefs like rent tax credit or medical expenses, the total refund can be significantly higher.

Other Reliefs Drivers Can Claim

Beyond flat rate expenses, drivers may be entitled to additional tax reliefs:

Medical Expenses

You can claim 20% tax relief on medical expenses including GP visits, prescriptions, physiotherapy, and dental work. Drivers often have back problems from long hours sitting—physiotherapy costs are fully claimable.

Rent Tax Credit

If you're renting, the Rent Tax Credit is worth up to €750 per year for single people (€1,500 for couples). This is separate from flat rate expenses and can be claimed alongside them.

Emergency Tax Refunds

If you changed jobs during the year and paid emergency tax, you could be owed a significant refund. This is especially common in the transport industry where drivers often switch between employers.

How to Claim Flat Rate Expenses

There are two ways to claim your flat rate expenses:

Option 1: Through MyTaxRebate.ie (Recommended)

The easiest way is to let our specialists handle everything. We:

1. Review your full tax history for the past 4 years
2. Identify all flat rate expenses you're entitled to
3. Check for other reliefs you may have missed
4. Submit claims to Revenue on your behalf
5. Handle all correspondence until your refund is paid

Option 2: DIY Through Revenue

You can claim directly through your myAccount on Revenue.ie by:

1. Logging into myAccount
2. Going to 'Review Your Tax' for each year
3. Adding flat rate expenses under 'Employment'
4. Submitting for review

However, this DIY approach often misses other reliefs you may be entitled to. Our comprehensive review typically finds additional refunds beyond just flat rate expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions