More than 5,200 renters in Kerry benefited from the Rent Tax Credit last year, according to Fine Gael Senator Mike Kennelly, with €5.5 million paid to qualifying renters in the county in 2024.
Senator Kennelly said the credit provides important financial support at a time when renters face significant costs.
“This is a real support that puts money back into the pockets of renters across Kerry,” he said.
“Fine Gael introduced the credit to recognise the financial pressure facing renters, and its value has been increased twice to ensure it continues to provide meaningful support.”
The Rent Tax Credit was introduced to help ease the cost of renting for tenants across the country. It has doubled from its original value of €500 to €1,000 for an individual and €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple.
The credit is available to tenants in the private rental sector, as well as some people renting in ‘digs’ or under ‘rent-a-room’ arrangements, provided they meet the qualifying conditions. Claims can be made through Revenue’s myAccount service.
Senator Kennelly said he was concerned that some renters in Kerry entitled to the credit may not yet have claimed it.
“It’s frustrating to know that there are still renters in Kerry who are entitled to this credit but haven’t claimed it,” he said.
“The credit can be backdated, so if you have paid qualifying rent since 2022 and haven’t claimed it, you could be due a significant refund.
“My message to renters in Kerry is simple: check whether you are entitled to the credit and claim it. It only takes a few minutes online and could put hundreds of euro back in your pocket,” Senator Kennelly said.