Every October, thousands of people across Ireland feel that familiar knot in their stomach when the tax bill lands and there’s not enough cash set aside to cover it.

In our FastTax.ie Tax Stress Survey, 53% of people said tax season makes them anxious, and more than half admitted they don’t feel confident claiming all the reliefs they’re entitled to.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a few smart moves, you can stay ahead of your taxes, reduce stress, and even save 40% while you’re at it.

💰 Step 1: Cut Your Tax at 40% with Pension Contributions

One of the most effective ways to reduce your income taxed at 40% is by contributing to a pension.

When you complete your Form 11 on FastTax.ie, you’ll see your income “Charged to Tax As Follows” split between 20% and 40%. Your goal? Move as much income as possible out of that higher band. Use our Pension Tax Relief Calculator to see how much you can contribute and how much tax you could save based on your age and income.

Every euro you add to your pension reduces the amount taxed at 40%, and if you file early, you’ll still have time to make a top-up before the deadline and get full relief against your 2025 income.

✅ Result: Lower tax bill today, bigger pension pot tomorrow.

💡 Step 2: Pay Your Tax as You Earn It

Instead of scrambling for a lump sum next October, spread your tax payments across the year.

Set up a monthly direct debit with Revenue to spread your preliminary tax owed for that calendar year across multiple payments.
Here’s how:

  1. Estimate your 2026 tax bill (your 2024 return is a good starting point).

  2. Divide that by 12 to find your monthly amount.
    Example: €6,000 ÷ 12 = €500/month.

  3. Log in to Revenue MyAccount or ROS → Manage Payments → Set up a Direct Debit.

  4. Choose “monthly”, and Revenue will collect automatically on the 9th of each month.

Payments made in 2026 go towards your 2026 liability so you’re always a year ahead, never behind.

✅ Result: No last-minute panic, no cash-flow crunch. Just calm, steady progress all year.

🛡️ Step 3: Don’t Forget Income Protection Tax Relief

If you have income protection insurance, you can claim 40% tax relief on those premiums.

This cover pays you up to 75% of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury — and Revenue rewards you for protecting your income.

✅ Result: Extra financial peace of mind and more money back at tax time.

🚀 The FastTax.ie Smart Strategy

  • Use the FastTax.ie Pension Calculator to see your 40% savings potential.

  • Set up your Revenue direct debit before year-end.

  • File early and claim all available reliefs.

  • Stay calm, compliant, and in control while everyone else scrambles next October.

 

FastTax.ie: The faster, easier way to file your Form 11.
Helping you pay smarter, save more, and never fear tax season again.

Recent Posts