Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
124. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance further to persons who did not pay the household charge in 2012, if this charge with penalties will be deducted at source by the Revenue Commissioners in addition to the local property tax should they fail to pay for either one or both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23288/13]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are currently in discussions with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) regarding receipt of the final database for those who have paid the Household Charge by 1 July 2013. The Commissioners anticipate that they will receive the final register later in the year.
By virtue of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), where the Household Charge for 2012 has not been paid by 1 July 2013, the outstanding amount will be increased to €200 and will be treated as a charge to Local Property Tax (LPT). As a consequence, the same methods, including deduction at source, that are available to Revenue to collect LPT from those who do not comply with their LPT obligations will be available to recover the €200 Household Charge arrears.
When the final database of those who have paid the household charge is provided by the LGMA at some point after 1 July 2013, Revenue will identify those who have not paid the charge and, in due course towards the end of the year, start collecting the additional €200 LPT liability.
For those who have yet to pay their Household Charge liability, the amount due including late payment fees and interest is currently €144. I would strongly recommend that those who have not paid it to do so as soon as possible or face additional costs.
