THE Department of Social Protection have said they are “very focused” on recovering money that’s owned to the department.
Data shows an outstanding balance of €266 million in social welfare overpayments are listed as “not repaying.”
Around €389m in tax may have been overpaid in Ireland last year[/caption]
A briefing note for Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary shows an in October 2024 there was an outstanding balance of €558 million in social welfare overpayments.
Of that, around 67 per cent of people who received overpayments of €266 million are listed as “not repaying.”
Mr Calleary said yesterday that his department is “very focused” on recouping what is owned.
He added: “I will be very clear that any money that’s owed to the department should be pursued.
“It’s not as simple as just going out and getting it, there’s methods and procedures, etc.
“But certainly the unit involved here are focused, very engaged and very involved.
“And they are very, very conscious of their responsibility.”
It comes as Mr Calleary also said that new PRSI measures to address the sustainability of the Irish pension system will proceed as planned.
Full-time workers, employers, and self-employed will see their tax bills increase by 0.7 per cent over the next five years.
An initial hike in PRSI rates of 0.1 per cent was introduced for workers and employers from last October 1.
Then, for the next three years, there’ll be a total hike of 0.7 per cent to address shortfalls in social insurance income over the coming years.
He added: “The Social Insurance Fund continues to be healthy. But I know from experience that that can change quickly, and we always have to have an eye to future provision of social protection in the country.”
TAX REBATES UNCLAIMED
This comes after the Revenue Commissioners has warned that over 500,000 workers in Ireland are missing out on tax back worth hundreds of euros.
Around €389m in tax may have been overpaid in Ireland last year.
Refunds of over €400m have already been paid out during January, with the average refund issued at €900.
A public information campaign has been launched to raise awareness among PAYE taxpayers.
Tax credits and relief are available on a range of expenses including healthcare, renting, mortgage fee repayments and remote working costs.
Dan Oosthuizen from Revenue’s PAYE Services, said: “Our records indicate that a further €389 million may have been overpaid in 2024, and I therefore encourage all PAYE taxpayers to log on to Revenue’s myAccount service to finalise their tax position as soon as they can.
“Taxpayers are also reminded that they have four years to claim any additional refund they may be due.”
Taxpayers are urged to review and finalise their tax position for each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Mr Oosthuizen added: “If Revenue owes you money, you’ll get a refund into your bank account within days. If you owe Revenue money, we’ll work with you to find a suitable payment option.”
Revenue officials also found that 66,000 people underpaid tax in 2024.
Dara Calleary said yesterday that his department is ‘very focused’ on recovering what is owed[/caption]
