Irish taxpayers grapple with anxiety and confusion ahead of filing season.
More than half of Irish taxpayers experience stress and anxiety when confronted with the prospect of filing their tax returns.
That’s according to a new nationwide survey commissioned by FastTax.ie, formerly known as PayLessTax.ie
“From fear of errors to the complexity of the process, it’s clear taxes are a source of anxiety and confusion for a majority of Irish adults”
The research, conducted by iReach Insights among a representative sample of 1,000 adults, underscores widespread emotional and practical challenges associated with the annual tax season.
According to the findings, 53% of respondents associate the term “tax returns” with feelings of stress and anxiety. While 29% report feeling organised and 24% confident, the dominant sentiment is one of apprehension. Overall, 63% of Irish adults admit to having at least one significant concern when filing their taxes.
Overwhelmed by paperwork?
The most common worry, cited by 40% of respondents, is the fear of making innocent mistakes that could prove costly. This is followed by feelings of being overwhelmed or confused, reported by 31% of participants.
Confidence in claiming all eligible tax credits and deductions remains low, with just 44% of respondents expressing certainty that they are availing of all entitlements. A further 34% are unsure whether they are even required to file an Income Tax Form 11, the self-assessment return used by self-employed individuals and those with non-PAYE income such as rental or investment earnings.
The survey highlights a significant knowledge gap around Form 11 requirements. Nearly one in four respondents could not identify any scenario in which the form would be necessary. Only 27% correctly recognised that profits from investments, including shares and cryptocurrencies, should be declared on Form 11. Meanwhile, 29% mistakenly believed that inheritances should be included, despite these being subject to Capital Acquisitions Tax rather than income tax.
Anxiety and confusion
Kel Galavan, money coach and founder of Mrs. Smart Money, commented on the findings.
“This latest research clearly illustrates that for many, the tax season is a period of genuine stress and uncertainty. The findings highlight some of the emotional and practical difficulties people face. From fear of errors to the complexity of the process, it’s clear taxes are a source of anxiety and confusion for a majority of Irish adults.”
The time commitment required to file personal tax returns also emerged as a concern. One in four respondents said they spend a full day or more preparing their returns. FastTax.ie estimates that with appropriate support and guidance, the process should take no longer than two hours, with many users completing their filings in under one hour.
Frustrations are common whether taxpayers use professional services or file independently via Revenue Online Services (ROS). Among those who engage accountants or specialist advisors, 74% report dissatisfaction, with high fees and slow processes each cited by 24% of respondents. Nearly half (47%) feel they are overpaying for these services.
Similarly, 73% of those who file independently face challenges with ROS. A lack of knowledge around filing requirements is the leading issue, cited by 39%, followed by complexity and difficulty gathering necessary documentation.
“Our rebrand to FastTax.ie isn’t just a new name, it’s a commitment to simplifying the tax filing experience for those individuals who are required to file an Income Tax Form 11 each year,” said Cathal Maxwell, founder of FastTax.ie.
“We’ve listened to the frustrations of Irish taxpayers, and we are dedicated to offering an intuitive, reliable, and supportive platform, designed to empower individuals to manage their tax affairs cost effectively and with ease, speed, and confidence.”
The Pay and File deadline for the 2024 Income Tax Return (Form 11) is Friday 31 October 2025. Taxpayers who file and pay online will benefit from an extended deadline of Wednesday 19 November 2025.
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