Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
832. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the price of paying three months car tax versus 12 months car tax can be arranged so that regardless of how long the motor tax is paid for, persons paying for shorter periods are not penalised over the space of one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36907/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no plans to change the basis for the charging of motor tax for either three or six month discs. Tax rates for these discs, set at a higher rate than the annual fee, take account of the extra workload for the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and motor tax offices, and the resultant higher administrative and printing costs. In addition, reminders are issued on each renewal.
Furthermore, the annual income from the increased charges for three and six month discs in 2012 was over €50m. Were changes to be introduced to charge for these discs on a pro-rata basis, the loss in income would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally.
