Approx 8 years ago I returned to work after an accident. I had been out for almost 3 years. On resuming employment I moved to a different section which meant I was on a completely different fixed pay scale. Last year in relation to another matter I checked on the amount of income tax I was paying. I discovered that Revenue had continued to attribute my social welfare payments to me as income.
Because of their mistake they ended up refunding me almost €14000.00. This refund was for 4 years. Although they made the mistake they and continued it for 6 years they said they were barred by statute from refunding the other 2 years. Apparently a PAYE worker can only go back 4 years to claim any missed allowances. I wrote to them to appeal this decision to no avail. I went to the Ombudsman who said I had not exhausted all avenues. The Revenue said there is no appeal. Should the 4 year rule apply when the mistake was made by revenue themselves?