Tax Credits for Co-Habitating Couples

Afternoon, I was discussing tax credits with the fellas at work and it turns out that 3 of us have different tax credits even though we are all living with our partners but not married, each with 2 young kids. None of us know specifically how each of our credits was calculated, however none of us has anything specific i.e. anything out of the ordinary listed in the general tax credits.

Through research I assume my own is correct - which is 3,300, however one has 4,950 and the other 5,760.

Is there any chance I've done something wrong or have the revenue over-calculated for the others?

Many thanks for observations or comments on a quiet Thursday afternoon.

Obviously it's all guesswork here but

1. The lad with the €4,950 is claiming the single-parent credit of €1,650 which he shouldn't be because he is co-habiting

2. The fella with the €5,760 used to be married and is claiming both the married tax credit (extra €1,650) AND the home carers credit of €810, bringing his tax credits up to €5,760. Revenue were never made aware of the change in his circumstances. Again he is overclaiming

As I said, all guesswork

widebody said:

None of us know specifically how each of our credits was calculated

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Revenue send out to each and every taxpayer a very detailed breakdown of how their tax credits are calculated so don't buy this excuse!

Thanks very much DB, spotted the 810 alright, was afraid I'd missed something. I'll stick with my 3300!

Out of interest, if in a co-habitating couple, one parent stays at home to mind the kids, does this qualify for the home-carers allowance? Would be surprised if it did.

Do you mean home cares tax credit? the home carers allowance is different

for the credit see conditions here
http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/credits/home-carers.html

PS - Revenue have not over calculated-- the lads are claiming credits the might not be entitled to - ignorance is no defence if this is the case

widebody said:

Is there any chance I've done something wrong or have the revenue over-calculated for the others?
.

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Revenue can and do get things wrong. But if they get it wrong it is still the tax payers liability. You should ensure that you check the credits, know exactly what they are for each year and that they are correct. This kind of thing should be taught in schools but unfortunately it is not.