Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
69. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the reason it is a premium rate number for persons ringing regarding queries on their property tax; and the reason persons with more than one property are being discriminated against when it comes to paying their tax as they can only pay it online. [51552/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Local Property Tax (LPT) helpline 1890 200 255 number is a low cost phone service and is not a premium rate number. The charge for this service is based on local rates and the cost of the call is shared between the calling party and the called party. The Commissioners use 1890 “LoCall” numbers for some of their most popular services including their helpline for PAYE taxpayers. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to advise on the cost to a person of phoning the Local Property Tax 1890 telephone helpline. The price is dependent on the individual’s phone network as well as the type of ‘phone package’ that the individual has with his/her operator. Some operators operate on a price per call basis while others charge per minute. The requirement for owners of multiple properties to file and pay LPT Returns electronically is contained in the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended). The Commissioners have confirmed that a significant number of multiple property owners are already obliged, by virtue of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, to pay and file electronically other tax returns they complete and this is in keeping with Revenue’s strategic objective to encourage the use of electronic channels. It is also in line with the Government’s e-agenda for service delivery.
Revenue’s on-line system for filing and paying LPT is secure, user friendly and easily accessible on the Revenue website. From the taxpayer’s perspective, using the on-line system is the quickest and most straightforward way to file Returns and pay the tax, particularly so where there are multiple properties involved, as the system automatically calculates the LPT due for the individual properties and makes it easy to select a payment method from the wide range of options available. In addition, property owners who use the on-line system also benefit from a three-week extended filing deadline. Providing an extension to filing deadlines is common practice when a taxpayer uses Revenue’s online services to meet his/her obligations.
Section 36 of the Act allows a property owner to nominate another person, such as a relative, to file and pay on-line on their behalf. Furthermore, owners can call the LPT Helpline 1890 200 255, where there is a dedicated service whereby the return may be filed on-line on their behalf. This particular service has been extensively used by owners of more than one property.
