I am advised by Revenue that Part 2 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for a number of exemptions from Local Property Tax (LPT) under certain conditions. In this regard, Section 8 of the Act specifically relates to property owners who purchased a residential property in 2013 as a main or sole residence. Any exemption granted in accordance with Section 8 will apply up to the end of 2016, provided the purchaser does not sell or otherwise transfer ownership of the property and continues to live in it as his/her sole or main residence.
In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy refers, the property was already partially owned (1/8th) by the person in question by virtue of inheritance and for that reason the current owner of the property was a joint owner of the property on 1 January 2013 and therefore a liable person on 1 May 2013. In 2013 he purchased the other siblings' shares in the property and not the property itself and so does not qualify for the 'first-time' buyer exemption. Finally, Revenue has informed me that the person in question has already made a number of direct enquiries to LPT Branch in regard to this issue and has been advised that there is no eligibility to exemption under Section 8 in this instance.
