Security Guard Tax Refund Ireland: Complete Guide 2025

Working as a security guard in Ireland comes with unique expenses that many workers don't realise they can claim tax relief on. From PSA licence fees to uniforms and protective equipment, security professionals often spend hundreds of euros each year on work-related items. If you've never claimed these expenses, you could be owed a significant tax refund going back up to four years.

What Can Security Guards Claim Tax Relief On?

Security guards incur various work-related expenses throughout the year. While security workers don't have a specific flat rate expense allowance like nurses or teachers, you can still claim tax relief on the actual amounts you spend. This often results in a higher refund for those who invest significantly in their professional equipment.

PSA Licence Renewal Fees

Every security guard in Ireland must hold a valid Private Security Authority (PSA) licence. The renewal fee—currently €80 for most licence categories—is a mandatory work expense that qualifies for tax relief. Many security workers don't realise they can claim this back, but over four years, that's €320 in expenses alone.

When our tax specialists review your records, we automatically identify PSA licence payments and include them in your claim. This is just one of the many expenses that often get missed when people try to claim their PAYE tax back on their own.

Uniforms and Protective Clothing

If your employer requires you to wear specific clothing and doesn't provide it, you can claim the cost. For security guards, this typically includes:

• Security uniform shirts, trousers, and jackets
• Safety boots and non-slip footwear
• High-visibility vests and weather protection
• Protective equipment required for your role

Unlike jobs with uniform tax relief built into flat rate expenses, security guards need to track actual spending. Our team helps you identify all qualifying expenses and calculates the maximum relief you're entitled to.

Training and Professional Development

Security work often requires ongoing training and certification. If you've paid for courses out of your own pocket—whether first aid certification, fire safety training, or specialist security qualifications—these may qualify for tax relief when they're directly related to your current employment.

Beyond Work Expenses: Other Reliefs Security Guards Miss

Work expenses are just the beginning. When our experts review your tax history, we look at your complete picture. Many security guards we help are also entitled to:

Rent Tax Credit

If you're renting your home, you could be claiming up to €1,000 per year through the rent tax credit. This credit was introduced in recent years and can be backdated, meaning many renters are owed thousands they don't know about.

Medical Expenses Relief

Security work can be physically demanding, and many guards have medical expenses throughout the year. You can claim 20% tax relief on medical costs including GP visits, prescriptions, physiotherapy, and dental treatments that aren't covered by insurance.

Emergency Tax Refunds

If you've changed jobs or started a new security position in the last four years, there's a good chance you were placed on emergency tax. This is extremely common in the security industry where contract work and agency placements are frequent. Emergency tax refunds often run into hundreds or even thousands of euros.

How Much Could You Be Owed?

Your refund depends on your individual circumstances, but here's a typical breakdown for security workers:

Relief Type	Potential Annual Value
PSA Licence + Work Expenses	€50 – €150
Rent Tax Credit	Up to €1,000
Medical Expenses (20%)	€100 – €400+
Emergency Tax (if applicable)	€500 – €2,000+
Potential 4-Year Total	€1,000 – €4,000+

The average refund our clients receive is €1,080, but security workers with multiple qualifying expenses often receive significantly more. The key is having experts who know exactly what to look for and how to maximise your claim.

Why Use a Professional Tax Refund Service?

You might be wondering why you shouldn't just handle this yourself. Here's what our clients tell us:

• We find more: Our specialists know every relief available and often find credits people miss when doing it themselves. On average, our clients get €300-500 more than DIY claimants.
• We save you time: No navigating confusing forms or wondering if you've done it right. We handle everything from start to finish.
• No risk: If we don't find you a refund, you pay nothing. Our fee only applies when you receive money back.
• Four years reviewed: We don't just look at last year—we review your entire four-year history to maximise your claim.

How the Process Works

Getting your tax refund with MyTaxRebate.ie is straightforward:

1. Quick online form: Tell us about your employment history and expenses (takes about 5 minutes)
2. We review everything: Our experts analyse your tax records for the past four years
3. Claim submitted: We prepare and submit your claim, handling all communication with Revenue
4. Money in your account: Refunds typically arrive within 5-10 working days

Learn more about how our process works or check out our transparent fee structure.

Frequently Asked Questions