Finian McGrath
Question:45. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will reply to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the local property tax. [51026/13]
View answerWednesday, 27 November 2013
Questions (45)
Written answers
The issues raised in this question are similar to those raised by the Deputy in Question No. 229 on 5 November (46999/13). The Local Property Tax (LPT) is an annual tax and has an annual pay and file season like other annual taxes. Property owners are being asked to indicate a payment method for 2014 and Revenue is only contacting people whose payment option for 2013 does not automatically apply in 2014. The tax is payable on or before 1 January each year, not before and the Revenue Commissioners have provided taxpayers with a range of payment options to choose from. Credit cards and debit card transactions are effected when the transaction is made.
The query about credit unions is not clear but if it is in the context of payment of the LPT, as outlined above an individual does not have to pay the LPT before 1 January and the range of payment options include phased payments and payment single debit authority which will not be collected by Revenue until 21 March. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not correct that self-assessed taxpayers pay their income tax in June/July; and that LPT provides significantly more flexibility than the payment options available to such taxpayers by facilitating monthly direct debit payments, weekly/monthly deduction at source and cash payment options.