Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of residential property tax and local property tax owed to the Revenue Commissioners in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49442/22]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides that Local Property Tax (LPT) is payable by the liable person for all relevant residential properties within the State. This legislation also provides for the possibility of deferring the charge to LPT, to assist property owners whose income is below a certain threshold and who may have difficulty in paying the tax. An individual whose only income is a payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) will qualify for a full deferral of LPT, because the current DSP payment rates are below the LPT income thresholds.
It is important to note that a deferral is not an exemption, and the tax remains as a charge on the property until paid. Any LPT that is deferred for the years between 2013 and 2021 carries a reduced interest charge of 4% per annum. LPT that is deferred on or after 1 January 2022 carries a reduced interest charge of 3% per annum. An individual who has deferred payment of their LPT liability may make either a full or partial payment of the deferred amount at any time. Property owners can contact Revenue in relation to LPT through MyAccount at www.revenue.ie or by calling the LPT helpline at (01) 7383626.
With regard to the property referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that there is LPT of €1,009 plus interest of €108.88 outstanding. Since Revenue records indicate that the individual in question qualifies for a full deferral of LPT, the interest has been calculated at the reduced rate. I am further advised that the individual has contacted Revenue about their LPT liability and Revenue has confirmed that it will engage directly with the individual concerned in the coming days in relation to the matter.
