Hints & Tips: Navigating EOPD in Ireland – Tax Back: What You’re Entitled To

By Fiona Staunton

We’re delighted to introduce a new monthly series from Fiona Staunton, EOPD Board member living with EOPD shares practical, real-life tips to help people navigate Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD) in Ireland.

This series will focus on the What, Why, Where, and How of everyday challenges — from accessing supports to understanding entitlements — with the aim of helping you live well with EOPD.

And where it comes to medications or clinical advice, your medical team should always be your first port of call.

Each month, Fiona will explore a new topic — and we’d love your input. If there’s something you’d like covered, or something you’ve learned that could help others, please let us know.

This Month’s Topic: Tax Back – Are You Claiming What You’re Entitled To?

Taxes may be one of life’s inevitables — but so are tax credits and refunds that many people don’t realise they’re entitled to.

If you are living with EOPD, there are a number of medical and health-related expenses you may be able to claim tax back on.

💡 Medical Expenses & Insurance

If you have private health insurance, your provider will typically cover part of your medical costs.

You can claim 20% tax relief on the remaining balance you pay yourself — including:

  • Medical appointments
  • Treatments
  • Medications

You can submit these claims easily through Revenue as you go.

How to Claim: Revenue Online Service (ROS)

You can claim your tax back by logging into your Revenue account:

👉 http://www.mygovid.ie/

If you haven’t set this up yet, now is a great time to do so.

Your myAccount gives you access to:

  • Revenue services (including tax claims)
  • Social Welfare services
  • Driving licence renewal
  • Local Property Tax
  • Rent Tax Credit

It’s designed as a one-stop shop for government services and is generally very user-friendly.

New: Pharmacy-Based Prescriptions (Common Conditions Service)

As of this month, you can also claim tax relief on prescriptions obtained through the Common Conditions Service. This service allows you to receive a prescription directly from a pharmacist (for a consultation fee), without needing to visit a GP.

Other Tax Credits You May Be Eligible For

You may also be able to claim tax relief on:

  • 🐕 Service Dog Allowance
  • 🦽 Medical devices and equipment (e.g. grab rails, mobility aids)
  • 👟 Specialised medical footwear
    • (A letter from the supplier confirming medical use is required)

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about what you can claim, Citizens Information is an excellent resource:

📞 0818 07 4000

They can provide guidance on:

  • Revenue queries
  • Social Welfare supports
  • Your entitlements

Get Involved

If you have:

  • A topic you’d like us to cover
  • A tip or experience that could help others

📧 Email: fiona@eopd.ie
Subject line: Hints and Tips

Coming Next Month

What can your Occupational Therapist do for you?

We’ll explore:

  • How to access occupational therapy
  • Practical ways to adapt your home
  • Tips to make everyday tasks easier