Thanks Steven,
I was hoping to apply in 2014 as I am returning to full time education and will be unemployed for 3 months. According to Revenue, you can apply for a tax refund within that tax year if you are returning to full time education and will not be working until Dec 31st of that year. Think the best thing is to ring Revenue and get it from the horse's mouth so to speak. I was wondering what date I am eligible to apply. For information of others in similar situation, information below from Revenue website:
Am I entitled to a tax refund?
If you have paid tax and are returning to school or college you may be able to claim a refund from the tax office of some or all of the tax paid, depending on the level of your income and unused tax credits. If you have not paid any tax, you cannot claim a refund.
How do I apply?
You should complete pdfForm P50 - First Claim for Tax Repayment during Unemployment (PDF, 365KB) and send it to your tax office together with Form P45 (Parts 2 & 3) which will be given to you by your former employer. When completing the Form P50 you should indicate, if such is the case, that you don't intend to resume employment before the following 31 December because you are returning to school/college.