Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2015
54. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the reason direct debits for paying local property tax only last for two years, after which persons have to set up new direct debits to continue paying the tax; if persons paying the tax by direct debit have been notified of this; the steps that were taken to inform the general public of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12296/15]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that it provides eight (8) different payment methods for Local Property Tax (LPT). The eight payment methods include various single and phased options that are designed to provide property owners with alternatives that assist them in meeting their LPT obligations in a manner that best suits individual circumstances.
Direct Debit is one of the available phased options and it facilitates payment of the LPT liability in equal monthly instalments over the course of the year. The Direct Debit option can only operate from a nominated current account and is deducted on the 15th day of each month. Revenue currently processes in excess of 320,000 LPT Direct Debit mandates each month and the system operates on a 'roll over' basis from one year to the next without any need for the taxpayer to issue new instructions on each occasion.
The only exceptions in this regard are where the taxpayer changes his/her current account or decides to use a different payment option. In such circumstances, it is important that the taxpayer informs Revenue so that the alternative arrangements can be put in place.
Revenue has assured me that the Direct Debit system 'rolls over' on an ongoing basis and is not discontinued after two years in the manner suggested by the Deputy. In this regard, if the Deputy has a specific case/s where this has happened then he should provide the details to Revenue so that the matter can be investigated.
