Just over half of those entitled to the €500 annual rent credit have applied to date
The Government’s failure to promote the €500 tax credit for renters introduced in Budget 2023 is contributing to low uptake of the scheme, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“Nine months after this measure was announced, just over half of those entitled to the rent credit have applied for the support, which is worth €500 per year to an individual renter or €1,000 per couple. The figures show that, to date, just 230,000 out of 400,000 eligible people have submitted a claim for the tax credit in respect of 2022 and 2023.
“The low uptake was first flagged as far back as January when a survey by Taxback.com revealed widespread lack of public awareness about renters’ entitlement to the credit. At the time, I called for the Government to launch an information campaign to encourage more people to apply. It is deeply disappointing that this has yet to happen.
“It is also clear that many renters cannot claim the tax credit because their landlord is not registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). This is financially penalising the renter for the failure of the landlord and highlights the need for urgent reform in how the scheme operates.
“With exorbitant rents putting families and individuals under severe financial pressure, it is important that as many people as possible avail of this relief.”
June 19, 2023