Working in construction in Ireland? You're likely entitled to tax reliefs that can significantly boost your take-home pay—from flat rate expenses for your trade to refunds from emergency tax when you've changed jobs or sites.
Our specialists have helped thousands of construction workers claim refunds. The average is €1,080—here's what you might be owed.
📊 Construction Worker Tax Facts
- Flat rate expenses: €175-€220/year for most trades
- Emergency tax: Common with site/job changes
- Tool costs: May qualify for additional relief
- Claim period: 4 years (2021-2024)
Flat Rate Expenses for Construction Trades
Many construction trades have flat rate expense allowances. Here are some examples:
If you haven't claimed these, four years of flat rate expenses alone could be worth €600-€900 in tax relief.
Emergency Tax: The Bigger Issue
Construction workers often change employers or move between sites. Each change can trigger emergency tax—and the overpayments add up fast.
On emergency tax, your tax credits aren't applied correctly. This can cost you €100-€300+ per week in excess tax.
If you've changed jobs multiple times over four years—common in construction—the combined overpayments can run into thousands.
💡 Real Example
Paddy worked on five different sites over three years, with different employers each time. He was on emergency tax for 6-may require additional processing time at each change. Combined with unclaimed flat rate expenses and rent credit, his total refund was €4,280.
Other Reliefs for Construction Workers
Beyond flat rate expenses and emergency tax, you may also be entitled to:
- Rent tax credit – up to €1,000/year if you rent
- Medical expenses – 20% relief on healthcare
- Safety equipment – boots and PPE you buy yourself
How We Help Construction Workers
Our specialists know construction tax inside out:
- All employers reviewed: We trace emergency tax across every job
- Trade-specific FRE: We know the correct allowances for your trade
- Complete four-year review: Nothing is missed
- No refund, no fee: You only pay if we get you money back
Work in Construction?
Our experts will find every refund from your trade expenses and job changes.
Start Your Tax Review →No refund, no fee • Average refund €1,080 • TAIN: 77632V
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need receipts for flat rate expenses?
No—flat rate expenses are a fixed annual amount for your trade. You don't need to prove individual purchases.
Can I claim for tools I bought?
If your tools cost more than the flat rate covers, you may be able to claim actual expenses. Our specialists can advise on your situation.
What if I've worked for many different employers?
Even better—multiple employers often means multiple periods of emergency tax and larger refunds. We review every employment.