FROM TODAY, YOU can claim tax relief of 20% on any medications prescribed by a pharmacist under the Common Conditions Service (CCS).

The eight common conditions included are allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and vulvovaginal thrush.

In addition, the tax relief is also being extended to allow individuals claim for expenses incurred for a consultation with a pharmacist. 

In a bid to free up GP appointments for more serious medical conditions, the CCS was set up earlier this year to allow pharmacists provide advice, treatment, and prescribe for these eight common health conditions.

Up until today, the tax relief could only be claimed back on prescription medications  prescribed by a GP.

Government said over 94% of all community pharmacies in Ireland have signed up to deliver the service by the end of this month.

Revenue has outlined the process here to claim tax relief. It involves logging into your Revenue.ie or MyGov account.

Applicable claimants are entitled to claim tax back for the previous four years. Tax relief on medical and health expenses is given at the standard rate of 20%.

Tax back for medications 

Speaking to reporters in Paris yesterday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he will include the necessary legislative amendments in the Finance Bill later this year, but a Revenue administrative practice will allow taxpayers to claim tax relief for for health expenses incurred under the CCS in the interim.

Harris said this move will give people across Ireland faster access to trusted healthcare, “while ensuring GP and hospital appointments are available for people with more complex health needs”.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she warmly welcomed the change.

“This tax relief is about putting patients first and supporting them to prioritise their health and wellbeing. It also reflects our continued commitment to making healthcare more accessible, affordable and patient-centred,” she said.