Instagram Linkedin-in Facebook-f Whatsapp
Log In
Apply Now
staycation tax rebate

Your Guide to the Stay and Spend Tax Credit

Introduction

The Stay and Spend Tax Credit Scheme in Ireland offers taxpayers the opportunity to reclaim a portion of their expenses on accommodation, food, and non-alcoholic beverages incurred between October 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how to effectively claim and maximize this tax credit.

What is the Stay and Spend Tax Credit?

Under the Stay and Spend Tax Credit Scheme, eligible taxpayers can claim a tax credit on qualifying expenditures related to accommodation and dining within Ireland. This initiative was introduced to stimulate domestic tourism and support the hospitality sector.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Stay and Spend Tax Credit:

  • You must be a taxpayer in Ireland.
  • Each qualifying transaction must be a minimum of €25.
  • Receipts can be submitted for up to a total of €625 per individual or €1,250 for a jointly-assessed married couple.
  • The maximum tax credit available is €125 per person or €250 for a jointly-assessed married couple.

What Expenses Qualify for the Credit?

The following expenditures qualify for the Stay and Spend Tax Credit:

  • Accommodation: This includes stays in hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering accommodations, caravan parks, camping parks, and holiday camps registered with Fáilte Ireland.
  • Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Meals and beverages consumed in restaurants, cafes, hotels, or pubs where the total bill per transaction is at least €25.

Exclusions

  • Takeaway food, alcoholic beverages, and drinks served without food do not qualify for the tax credit.

Rates and Maximum Credit

The Stay and Spend Tax Credit is calculated at a standard rate of 20% on qualifying expenditures, up to a maximum credit of €125 per person or €250 for a jointly-assessed married couple. The total qualifying expenditure is capped at €625 per person or €1,250 for a couple.

How to Make a Claim

Claiming the Stay and Spend Tax Credit involves two stages:

Stage 1: Submit Your Receipts

  • Use Revenue’s receipts tracker to record and store details of your qualifying receipts online.
  • Continue adding receipts until you reach the expenditure cap of €625 (individual) or €1,250 (couple).

Stage 2: Make a Claim Online

  • If you are a PAYE taxpayer, submit your claim through your myAccount using the Income tax return (Form 12) for the relevant tax period.
  • Self-employed individuals should use ROS to submit the Form 11 for the corresponding tax period.
  • Ensure all receipts are submitted as proof of expenditure before finalizing your claim.

How Will the Relief Be Given?

The Stay and Spend Tax Credit will offset your income tax liability after other allowances, deductions, or reliefs have been applied. If the credit exceeds your income tax liability, any remaining credit can be used to reduce your Universal Social Charge (USC) liability for that tax year.

Changes and Updates

Stay informed about any updates or changes to the Stay and Spend Tax Credit scheme for the current year, as these may affect eligibility criteria or the maximum credit amount available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Calculate the Tax Credit Amount

  • Multiply your qualifying expenditures by 20% to determine your tax credit amount, capped at €125 per person or €250 per couple.

What to Do If Receipts Are Lost

  • Contact the service provider for duplicate receipts or alternative proof of expenditure.

Rectifying Filing Mistakes

  • If errors are identified post-submission, promptly notify Revenue and follow the prescribed amendment procedures.

Conclusion

The Stay and Spend Tax Credit Scheme provides a valuable opportunity for Irish taxpayers to enjoy tax relief while supporting local businesses in the hospitality sector. By following the steps outlined in this guide and staying updated on scheme details, you can effectively leverage this initiative to enhance your travel experiences within Ireland.

For more detailed guidance and resources on the Stay and Spend Tax Credit, visit Revenue’s official website or consult with a tax advisor. Contact us and one of our tax experts will be more than happy to help. Share your insights and experiences with the scheme in the comments below to help others make the most of this beneficial tax credit.

This guide aims to simplify the process of claiming and maximizing the benefits of the Stay and Spend Tax Credit, ensuring clarity and compliance for Irish taxpayers.

More Tax Tips

3 out of 4 PAYE workers are due a refund, claim yours today!

Claim Your Tax Refund
Facebook-f Whatsapp Linkedin-in Instagram

Get In Touch

Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, Ireland, F91 P9K5

Menu

Tax Tips

  • VAT No. IE3449983FH
  • Company No. 594536

© 2024 Anytime Tax Refunds Ltd

Log In

Instagram Linkedin-in Facebook-f Whatsapp

Terms and Conditions

1. Authorisation to Act as Agent

I authorise Anytime Tax Refunds Limited, TAIN 76174M of Tubbercurry Co. Sligo to act as my agent in dealing with all aspects of the filing of my Irish income tax return, including the submission of refund or credit claims, allowances or reliefs.

I confirm that all documentary evidence of entitlement to credits/reliefs claimed and taxable income sources, will be held for a period of 6 years beginning at the end of the year of assessment to which the Return of Income and/or claim relates by myself.

I confirm that this authorisation will remain in force until Revenue is formally notified of its cessation by either myself or Anytime Tax Refunds Limited, or for a maximum period of 4 years.

2. Authorisation For Agent to Receive Refunds on Behalf of Client

I authorise the transfer of any refund or repayment of PAYE/Income Levy/Universal Social Charge due to me by the Revenue Commissioners by electronic funds transfer to the following bank account which is held by Anytime Tax Refunds Limited.

International Bank Account Number (IBAN): IE10AIBK93727408931117
Bank Identifier Code (BIC): AIBKIE2D
Name of Account holder: Anytime Tax Refunds Limited

I understand that any refund made by the Revenue Commissioners to my agent, Anytime Tax Refunds Limited, on my behalf is refunded in a similar manner as if same were being refunded directly to me and that once the refund is transferred into the bank account nominated by me I have no further call upon the Revenue Commissioners in respect of same.

I understand that Anytime Tax Refunds Limited is acting as my agent and is solely responsible to me in respect of any refund received by them on my behalf. I further understand that my Agent, Anytime Tax Refunds Limited is an independent entity and that the Revenue Commissioners make no endorsement of my agent or any such agency and cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for problems encountered by me in dealing with them.

I understand and agree that Anytime Tax Refunds Limited will input its own bank account details on the Revenue record for the duration of this mandate and will remove these details on the cessation of the mandate.

I confirm that I am aware of, and agree to, the payment of the fees charged by Anytime Tax Refunds Limited in respect of the services carried out on my behalf and that this fee will be deducted from any amount refunded by Revenue and that the balance of this amount will be paid to me.

3.Terms and Conditions of Authorisation

I understand that Tax law provides for both civil penalties and criminal sanctions for the failure to make a return, the making of a false return, facilitating the making of a false return, or claiming tax credits, allowances or reliefs which are not due.

I confirm that I will provide the necessary documentation to Anytime Tax Refunds Limited to support any refund, credit claims or claims for allowances and reliefs made to Revenue on my behalf by Anytime Tax Refunds Limited.

I confirm that I will provide details of all my sources of income to Anytime Tax Refunds Limited.

I understand that the person selected in Section 1 above is required to retain all documentation relating to any refund or credit or allowance or relief claimed by the agent on my behalf for a period of 6 years beginning at the end of the year of assessment to which the Return of Income and/or claim relates and that Anytime Tax Refunds Limited will be required to produce same to Revenue upon request.

Close