Tax following bereavment

Hi there,

My wife sadly passed away some months ago, I'm only getting around to the admin now. We were married for 5 years but assessed as single people (we just forgot to notify the revenue that we got married).

I am in my 30's and my wife was taxed at the lower rate while I was taxed at the higher rate on a much greater salary.

Question:

1. Am I likely to get anything in terms of a tax refund for the years we were tax as single?
2. Should I notify the revenue of her passing and will it make much of a difference to my tax and take home pay?

Thanks

Sorry have no idea about the tax side of things but just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about your wife's death. Deepest sympathies to you.

Condolences on your loss

Have you applied for your widowers Pension

My deepest sympathies boardmember - to lose your wife at such a young age is really tough. First and foremost make sure you are looking after yourself and don't launch into sorting your finances before you are ready.

Before you start looking at the income tax position (there's no rush here) are you comfortable that you have a good handle on all jointly owned assets (bank accounts, pension entitlements, property, etc) and that you have cancelled all relevant direct debits, memberships, etc? If you are ready to tackle these things (and you may well be), then i would suggest that getting your arms around what is owned and owed should be the priority.

In my experience, Revenue are particularly good in these circumstances and it's probably best to call your local Revenue office to discuss the details.

I wish you well.

Hi boardmember,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your young wife.

As soon as you are able you should advise Revenue, which as others have said, will be very sympathetic.

You would be entitled to the Widowed Person’s tax credit in the year of bereavement, currently, 3,300. You are entitled to this irrespective of the basis on which you and your late wife were assessed.

If you have a child or children, you would also be entitled to an additional credit for 5 years starting from 2016. This is in addition to the Single Person Child Carer credit.

Regrettably, you cannot claim joint assessment retrospectively.