## What Form 12 is
The Form 12 is a simplified annual income tax return for individuals whose primary income is PAYE but who also have other income to declare, such as rental, dividends, or modest self employment.
It is distinct from the Form 11, which is the full self assessment return for self employed individuals and those with substantial non PAYE income.
## Who files Form 12
Generally if you are a PAYE worker and have additional income that is:
- Less than €5,000 net of expenses
- Less than €30,000 gross
you can file Form 12. Above these thresholds, Form 11 self assessment applies and you become a "chargeable person".
## Common items declared on Form 12
- Rental income (modest landlord earnings)
- Foreign dividend income
- Deposit interest above DIRT threshold
- Casual or part time self employment
- Capital gains under the annual exemption
- Tuition fees relief, medical expenses, and other claims
## Deadlines
Form 12 for the 2026 tax year is due by 31 October 2027 if filing on paper, or by mid November 2027 if filing through Revenue Online Service (ROS).
Most PAYE only filers actually use the simpler "Statement of Liability" via myAccount, which combines a return and assessment.
## Worked example
Conor is a teacher earning €55,000 PAYE. He inherited a flat which he rents out for €15,000 gross, with €4,000 of expenses, leaving net rental profit of €11,000.
- Below the Form 11 threshold (€30,000 gross is the cut off; he is below at €15,000)
- Above the Form 12 informal threshold of €5,000 net? Yes
- He should still use Form 12 because his rental gross is below €30,000
He declares €11,000 rental profit on Form 12. Tax at 40 percent = €4,400, plus USC and PRSI on the rental profit.
## Penalties
Late filing penalties apply at 5 percent of liability if filed within two months of deadline, rising to 10 percent thereafter, capped.
## How to file
- Online: Revenue myAccount or ROS
- Paper: download from Revenue.ie, sign, post
Online filing is faster, with assessments typically issued within days.
## Educational notice
This article gives an overview. Tax returns can have nuances depending on your full income. Consult a qualified accountant if your situation is complex.