Tax Relief

Understanding Home Support Costs

The cost of home support services can vary depending on the provider, the level of care needed, and the times care is delivered. Evening, weekend, and bank holiday support may have higher rates.

In many cases, tax relief is available, which can help reduce the cost of home support by up to 40%, depending on your circumstances.

To make things easier, we’ve created a simple step-by-step guide to explain how tax relief works and who can claim it.

Key Information About Tax Relief

You may be eligible to claim tax relief whether you’re arranging care for yourself or for someone else, such as a family member.

Who Can Claim Tax Relief?

Tax relief may be available if:

• The person receiving care is a spouse, civil partner, child, or other close relative.

• The person receiving care is considered totally incapacitated due to illness or disability.

• Care provided includes personal care, not just household support.

You may need to provide a medical certificate confirming the need for care, but this isn’t required when first applying.

Important Notes

You cannot claim tax relief if:

• The carer is only providing general housekeeping.

• You are already claiming certain tax credits (like the Incapacitated Child or Dependent Relative Tax Credit).

• The cost of care is already covered by funding from the HSE or a local authority.

How Tax Relief Works

Tax relief can be claimed at your highest rate of income tax (20% or 40%), up to a maximum of €75,000 per year. You’ll claim relief on the lower of:

• The actual amount paid for care

• The €75,000 annual limit

Tax relief must be claimed each year, and it can be done by submitting a simple form to Revenue. Even if you are not working or paying tax, another family member may be able to claim relief on your behalf.

More information on tax relief on employing a home carer is available here.

Always on Hand to Help You

We recognise that the rules around tax relief can be challenging or overwhelming at times.

Whatever your circumstances, you can be sure that we have the experience to help you through all aspects of homecare funding.

If you or a loved one needs any type of homecare, please do get in touch with us to find out how we can help.