Emergency tax is one of the most common reasons Irish workers overpay tax - and it's also one of the most avoidable. When you start a new job without the correct paperwork, Revenue puts you on emergency tax, which means higher deductions and no tax credits. While emergency tax is always refundable, it's much better to avoid it in the first place.
This guide explains exactly what steps to take to avoid emergency tax when starting a new job, and what to do if you've already been caught by it. If you've been on emergency tax, MyTaxRebate.ie can help you claim back every euro you've overpaid.
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When you start a new job and your employer doesn't have your tax details registered with Revenue, you're placed on emergency tax. This means:
- Week 1-4: Tax at 20% on all income up to €892/week, 40% above that
- Week 5+: Tax at 40% on ALL income with NO tax credits
- Result: You pay significantly more tax than you should
For example, a worker earning €800/week normally pays about €115 in tax. On emergency tax after week 4, they'd pay approximately €280 - more than double. Even a few weeks on emergency tax can result in hundreds of euros overpaid.
Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Emergency Tax
Follow these steps when starting a new job to ensure you're taxed correctly from day one:
Step 1: Register Your New Job on myAccount
Log into Revenue's myAccount and go to "Manage My Record" > "Jobs and Pensions". Add your new employer using their tax registration number (your employer will provide this). This tells Revenue you have a new job and allocates your tax credits.
Step 2: Allocate Your Tax Credits
If you have multiple jobs, ensure your tax credits are correctly split. All your credits should go to your main job (highest income). Use "Manage Tax Credits" to allocate them correctly.
Step 3: Provide Your PPSN to Your Employer
Ensure your employer has your correct PPS Number on their first day. They need this to register you with Revenue correctly. Mistakes in your PPSN can delay tax credit allocation.
Step 4: Check Your Revenue Payroll Notification (RPN)
After registering your job, Revenue sends a Revenue Payroll Notification (RPN) to your employer. This confirms your tax credits and rate band. Ask your employer to confirm they've received it.
Key Timing: Register your new job on myAccount BEFORE your first pay day if possible. This gives Revenue time to process your details and send the RPN to your employer.
Common Situations That Trigger Emergency Tax
Understanding what causes emergency tax helps you avoid it:
- • Starting your first job - You need to register with Revenue
- • Changing jobs - Old job ends but new job isn't registered yet
- • Working for multiple employers - Credits allocated incorrectly
- • Returning from abroad - No tax record in Ireland
- • Starting a second job - Second job taxed at emergency rates
What If I'm Already on Emergency Tax?
If you're currently on emergency tax or have been in the past, don't worry - it's all refundable. Here's what to do:
- Register Your Job: Follow the steps above to register your employment on myAccount
- Wait for RPN: Once processed, your employer receives updated tax details
- Get Your Refund: Overpaid tax is usually refunded through your next payslip
- Or Claim with Us: If you've left the job or want to ensure you get everything back, MyTaxRebate.ie can help
Real Examples: Emergency Tax Refunds
Graduate Starting First Job
Situation: Started work without registering, on emergency tax for 6 weeks
Overpaid: €840 in those 6 weeks
Full Refund: €840
Worker Changed Jobs 3 Times
Situation: Changed jobs 3 times in 2 years, emergency tax each time for 2-4 weeks
Total Overpaid: €1,650 across all job changes
Full Refund: €1,650
Why Use MyTaxRebate.ie?
If you've experienced emergency tax in the past, there may be unclaimed refunds waiting. MyTaxRebate.ie reviews your complete tax history to identify all overpayments:
4-Year Review
We examine all 4 claimable years to find emergency tax overpayments and any other issues you may have missed.
Multiple Job Changes
We specialise in complex employment histories with multiple employers and potential emergency tax situations.
No Refund, No Fee
You only pay if we secure a refund. Zero risk to checking what you're owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does emergency tax last?
Emergency tax applies until Revenue receives your correct details. For the first 4 weeks, you get some relief. After week 4, you're taxed at 40% on all income with no credits. Once you register on myAccount, it typically takes a few days for Revenue to process and send your details to your employer.
Will I automatically get my money back?
Once you're on the correct tax basis, overpaid emergency tax is usually refunded through your next payslips as your employer adjusts your tax. However, if you've left the job or the year has ended, you need to claim the refund separately through Revenue or a service like MyTaxRebate.ie.
How far back can I claim emergency tax refunds?
You can claim refunds for the current year plus the previous 4 years. For claims in 2025, this means back to 2021. If you had emergency tax situations in any of those years and didn't get the full refund at the time, you can still claim now.
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