Tax Refund for 844,000 Citizens: Who’s Getting the Money and How Much?

May of this year brings good news for nearly a million Croatian citizens. The Tax Administration has begun issuing income tax refunds for the year 2024, and funds are already arriving in citizens’ accounts. A total of nearly €405 million is planned for refunds, averaging around €480 per person.

Who is receiving a refund and why?

Out of a total of 957,381 citizens included in the annual tax assessment, as many as 843,697 have earned the right to a refund of overpaid taxes. The refund is based on a special procedure carried out by the Tax Administration by April 30, 2025, concerning income earned in the previous year.

Refunds have been granted to citizens who, depending on their income, paid more tax than they actually owed. Most of them are regular employees, with a significant portion being young people who were employed last year and earned income above a certain threshold.

Youth benefit the most

The biggest beneficiaries of this tax return are young people under the age of 25. A total of 92,000 of them will receive an average of €1,050, which is significantly higher than the national average. This group is entitled to a full tax refund for the amount paid during 2024, as a form of state support in their entry to the labor market.

For young people aged 25 to 30, refunds are also available, albeit in a slightly lower amount — half of the paid tax, averaging about €850 per person. These two groups comprise 230,000 young citizens, and the total value of the refund for them is around €214 million.

Interestingly, the number of young people eligible for a refund has increased by 18,000 compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in employment and participation in the formal economy.

What about the others?

Unfortunately, not everyone is ending up with a favorable outcome. Around 101,000 citizens will have to pay additional taxes, mostly tradespeople, freelancers, and parents who failed to update the tax information of their children who started working or earned significant income through student jobs. The total tax due amounts to just under €27 million.

The remaining 11,814 taxpayers neither qualify for a refund nor owe additional taxes — their tax status remains neutral.

More refunds than ever before

A comparison with the previous year shows that the state has increased the total refund amount by €80 million, and 33,000 more citizens qualified for a refund. This increase reflects changes in income, employment, and demographic trends, and possibly a greater awareness among citizens regarding their tax rights and obligations.

An opportunity for relief and planning

For many citizens, especially young people, this refund represents financial relief — a chance to cover expenses, plan investments, or simply "take a breather" after a challenging year. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the importance of tracking personal tax data and keeping information up to date with the Tax Administration.

If you are among those expecting a refund, it's a good idea to check the exact amount and payment date via the e-Citizens system or by contacting the Tax Administration. For those unsure if they’re eligible — it’s worth checking, as a pleasant surprise may be waiting in your bank account.