Seanad debates

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage

 

1:40 pm

Photo of Paschal MooneyPaschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----one will find the truth coming from the electorate. The 150,000 people who bought houses during the boom paid on average ยค10,000 in tax on their properties. Now, they are expected to pay this new property tax. We are presented with a fait accompli in the Bill.

Today's newspapers report that the Revenue Commissioners will not send valuation letters to 65,000 taxpayers registered with Revenue Online Services. Being self-employed, I am one of those taxpayers and had been anticipating receiving a valuation letter in the post. Now, it looks like I will have to make contact with my accountant, my representative in dealing with Revenue, to establish how I will find out what the valuation of my property will be. Will putting this information online coincide with the letters being sent in the mail? Will the Minister consider informing the 65,000 people who may be waiting for a letter and find themselves penalised later for having forgotten to pay? This arrangement may sow some confusion, a point the Consumers Association has raised. If I had not seen this report in the media, I would not have known that this was the only way I would find out the valuation of my property. I accept it is an administrative issue and I am sure the Minister of State, in his usual efficient way, is on top of it. However, I am anxious to receive a reply on this arrangement.

The exemptions for those with pyrite affected homes are admirable. However, it is only a deferral, not an abolition and, as Senator Aideen Hayden pointed out, it will only be in place for three years. Again, considering the economic position, there may be a need to re-examine this issue.

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