Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
335. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance in relation to Local Property Tax if it is correct that persons with multi properties have to submit their declaration on line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17350/13]
View answerThe Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) sets out how the tax (LPT) is to be administered and provides for a number of specific exemptions from the charge. Chapter 14 of the Revenue booklet ‘ Your guide to Local Property Tax’ sets out in detail the various property types that are exempt from LPT. From the information provided by the Deputy, the person in question does not qualify for any exemption as provided for in the Act. If the person in question is concerned about his/her ability to pay LPT in a single payment then he/she may want to consider using one of the phased payment options that spreads payment in instalments across the year. The various payment options including phased cash payments and direct debit arrangements are detailed in ‘Chapter 11’ of the Revenue booklet ‘ Your guide to Local Property Tax’. For example, LPT can be deducted at source on a phased basis from salaries or occupational pensions or from certain payments from the Departments of Social Protection and Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Revenue Commissioners advise that where deduction at source is chosen, there is no additional administration or interest charge. Payments can also be made by direct debit from current accounts in banks and other financial institutions including credit unions. Finally, liable persons can avail of phased payment facilities through third party payment service providers. This option does attract a transactional charge, which is levied by the service provider.
The Act also provides for circumstances whereby a person may opt to defer or partially defer payment of LPT where certain conditions are met. Chapter 12 of the Revenue booklet ‘ Your guide to Local Property Tax’ sets out in detail the various deferral types that are available. Revenue has also published extensive guidelines on the various types of deferrals, including examples, on its website www.revenue.ie .
The Deputy should note that deferral is not an exemption. Payment of the tax is deferred, meaning that it becomes payable later and carries an interest charge at a rate of 4% per annum on all amounts of LPT that are deferred. Any deferred amount, including interest, will be a charge on the property and will have to be paid to Revenue on the sale/transfer of the property.
