Revenue Tax Briefing

The content shown on this page is a Tax Briefing produced by the Irish Revenue Commissioners. To view the section of legislation to which the Tax Briefing applies, click the link below:

Revenue Tax Briefing Issue 63, May 2006

Health Expenses

Kidney Patients

In the case of kidney patients, tax relief may be claimed on the following under the heading health expenses for 2005.

Hospital Dialysis Patients

Where the patient attends hospital for treatment, relief under the heading of health expenses may be allowed in respect of expenditure incurred travelling (unlimited journeys) to and from hospital at the following rate:

2002

2003

2004

2005

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile/
€0.22 per km

Home Dialysis Patients

Where the patient uses a dialysis machine at home, relief under the heading of health expenses may be allowed in respect of the following expenditure:

2002

2003

2004

2005

Electricity

€1115

€1270

€1380

€1440

Laundry & protective clothing

€1595

€1675

€1735

€1780

Telephone

€110

€250

€260

€270

Travelling

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile/
€0.22 per km

Chronic Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Where the patient has treatment at home without the use of a dialysis machine, relief under the heading of health expenses may be allowed in respect of the following expenditure:

2002

2003

2004

2005

Electricity

€880

€1010

€1090

€1440

Telephone

€110

€250

€260

€270

Travelling

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile

€0.35 per mile/
€0.22 per km

Child Oncology Patients & Children with Permanent Disabilities

In the case of child oncology patients and children with permanent disabilities, tax relief may be claimed on the following for 2005 under the heading of health expenses.

A. Telephone

Where the child is treated at home, a flat rate of €270 to include telephone rental and calls may be claimed where the expenses are incurred for purposes directly connected with the treatment of the child.

B. Overnight Accommodation

Payments made by the parent/guardian to a hospital, hotel or B&B in respect of overnight accommodation in or near the hospital where the child is a patient where such overnight stay is necessary for the treatment of the child.

C. Travel

The cost incurred in travelling (unlimited journeys) to and from any hospital in respect of

  • the patient and accompanying parents/guardians: and
  • parents/guardians of the patient

Where such trips are shown to be essential to the treatment of the child. If a private car is used, €0.35 per mile/€0.22 per km may be allowed for the year 2005.

D. Hygiene products and special clothing

The cost incurred in respect of these items subject to a maximum of €500 per year.