Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2015
68. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the reason a property owner, who originally registered online but who no longer wishes to transact their local property tax affairs in this way, cannot change to a system where they receive their notification by post and can pay their liability by cheque or direct debit in March each year. [6400/15]
View answerI am assuming that the Deputy's Question relates to a property owner who owns more than one property.
In relation to owners of a single property, the taxpayer has the option of filing Local Property Tax (LPT) either on paper or electronically (although payment electronically is encouraged as being the most efficient and cost effective for both the taxpayer and Revenue).
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that owners of multiple properties are required to meet their Local Property Tax (LPT) filing and payment obligations using the purpose built on-line system. This requirement is set down in Section 44 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended). Section 44 of the LPT Act is consistent with requirements that already exist under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for many taxpayers to meet their overall tax filing and payment obligations electronically and is also in line with the Government's overall e-strategy.
Revenue has assured me that the LPT online service is the simplest and most efficient way to complete and submit LPT Returns/ payments and is 100% secure. The system provides for all of the various electronic payment methods, including Direct Debit, that are available for LPT and the taxpayer has the option to change from one payment method to another providing this is done within the specified time limits required by Revenue to activate any such request. The online system is available 24 hours per day so that property owners can conduct their LPT affairs at a time that best suits their individual circumstances.
Finally, I am assured by Revenue that where any owner of multiple properties is experiencing difficulty using the online system assistance is available from the LPT Helpline at 1890 200 255, or by calling to their local tax office, or they can nominate a person to act on their behalf as provided for by Section 36 of the Act.
