Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
113. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that Revenue change its local property tax registration form to include the option for full payment in cash in order to avoid confusion amongst members of the public who wish to avail of this option rather than a weekly or monthly payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15623/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a wide range of payment options have been made available to liable persons, which will allow them to pay their Local Property Tax (LPT) liability in full or by way of phased payments. One payment option allows persons to pay the LPT by cash through one of the three approved payment service providers, which are An Post TaxPay, Payzone and Omnivend. I am further advised by the Commissioners that, although the LPT Return only provides the option to pay LPT by cash in weekly or monthly instalments through the payment service providers, customers are free to choose whether to make their cash payments in one lump sum or spread their payments in equal instalments between July and December 2013. Accordingly, liable persons wishing to pay their LPT liability in cash, should choose the weekly or monthly option on the LPT Return, even where they intend to make one lump sum payment in cash.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in cases where a liable person wishes to pay their LPT in full using cash, all payment service providers have been informed to accept the lump sum payment. I am also advised that the LPT booklet accompanying the letters and LPT Returns that are currently being sent to liable persons by the Revenue Commissioners explains at page 7 that cash payments can be made in full. Indeed I understand that some property owners have already paid in full using cash.
As the general issue of LPT Returns has already commenced, it is not possible to amend the return form at this stage but I am satisfied that this should not impede a property owner who wishes to pay their LPT charge in full using cash.
