You are not alone. Completing paperwork is a pain for many. Only the very few enjoy it – and that’s mostly because of the money they know they’ll accumulate at the end.

However, it is an hour or two of your life that could put hundreds of euro into your bank account. Consider how many hours on the farm you would have to put in to gain this sort of cash injection and it will make the task seem much more attractive.

1. Self-employed tax credits

First things first. If you are farming or self-employed through another means, even if it is part-time, it is worth contacting IFAC or employing your own accountant to review your accounts. Not only will this keep you above board in regards to your obligations to the tax man, it will also mean that a professional will review your accounts with a sharp eye concerning what you can claim tax-free.

We’re talking about office equipment, stationery, lunch with associates, even postage costs. There is huge scope if the expense has anything to do with the successful running of your business. So start searching through those drawers to find any old receipts from the last year that could apply.

Top tip: Make things easier for yourself this time next year by allocating a box or drawer specifically dedicated to receipts.

2. PAYE tax credits

If you are a PAYE worker, it’s time to find out yourself if you paid too much tax last year. This is especially relevant if, for example, you switched jobs last year or had extended sick leave. Even if those circumstances don’t apply, it’s worth investigating.

First thing you need to do is get your P60. Most employers will have these issued by the end of January. Then log onto Revenue’s PAYE Anytime service on www.revenue.ie and set up an account. Once this is done, request a balancing statement called a P21. If you opt to do all this online, you should receive your P21 within four or five working days. This will allow you to see if you have overpaid tax and submit your bank account details for a refund. However, be aware that if you have underpaid your taxes, you will owe this back to Revenue. You can claim back for the last four years, so this could result in a bit of a windfall.

Top tip: If you recently got married, be sure to inform the Revenue, as you and your spouse will be able to use your tax free allowance more efficiently. How to apply? Log onto www.revenue.ie or contact your local Revenue office on the LoCall numbers listed on the website.

3. Health / medical expenses relief

Did you find yourself in the doctor’s surgery one too many times last year – or even in for a hospital stay? If so, it’s time to start claiming. There is a plethora of expenses that can be claimed for. In fact, you might be surprised by the range.

We’re talking prescriptions, speech-and-language therapy, hearing aids, laser eye surgery, all maternity expenses, even fertility treatments that aren’t covered by health insurance. You can even claim for transport, not just ambulance trips but your parking in the hospital car park.

There is also the opportunity to claim for procedures that took place in other countries. This is claimed at the standard rate of tax, so if you spent €1,000 on medical expenses in 2017, you will receive €200 back.

Nursing-home expenses are given at your highest rate of tax, up to 40%.

Although you can no longer claim for routine dental procedures, you can claim for crowns, veneers and orthodontic works, among other more intensive dental treatments.

Top tip: Adults can claim for themselves, but also for their children or any expenses if caring for parents. How to apply? Fill out a Form MED 1 on www.revenue.ie.

4. Health insurance

Those who have a health insurance policy are entitled to a tax relief. If you have a personal health insurance policy with VHI, Laya, Aviva or GloHealth, this is granted at source at a rate of 20%. This means, you don’t need to worry about it, as it has already been deducted for you.

However, if your medical insurance premium is paid on your behalf by your employer as a benefit-in-kind, then you need to notify your local Revenue office. It is only then that you will receive your tax relief in the form of tax credits.

Of course, this is also the time of year when many people should claim back against their health insurance provider. Many policies require that you submit your expenses within three months of the policy expiring. As a large proportion of policies are in line with the calendar year, this means that you only have until the end of March to get those files in order. When you consider that some policies refund up to €40 for a GP visit, it really is worth getting things sorted.

Top tip: Make 2018 the year where you claim back from your health insurance expenses straight away. Then you know you’ll never miss a receipt. How to apply? Download the relevant forms from your health insurance provider.

5. Home renovation incentive scheme

If you’ve done any major renovation work on your home, you are probably well aware of the Home Renovation Scheme, but perhaps you are looking ahead to work needed this year. This scheme provides tax relief for any repair, renovation or improvement works, provided that you paid a minimum of €4,405 (before VAT) up to a maximum of €30,000. Landlords can also claim for works carried out on their property. The tax relief is at a rate of 13.5%. So, for example, if you paid the minimum costs of €4,405, you would get a credit of €595.

Top tip: When choosing a contractor to carry out the work, make sure they are registered and tax compliant. Otherwise, you won’t be able to avail of this scheme. How to apply? Apply on the HRI claim page on www.revenue.ie. CL

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Home Renovation Scheme has paid out €1.2bn to date