Written answers
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Motor Taxation
M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on allowing commercial transport operators who rely on seasonal business to tax their vehicles on a monthly basis rather than the minimum of three months which currently exists in view of the economic climate and taking into account the commercial realities and the cost of doing business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20795/09]
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In accordance with a long-standing approach provided in section 1 of the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act 1952 (and regulations made under this Act), the cost of motor tax is calculated on the basis of whole calendar months for periods of three, six or twelve months. To change to a monthly tax period would greatly increase the costs of administering motor tax and cause an adverse effect on all aspects of the current system. Unlike other countries, we provide a short tax period of three months. The introduction of one month tax periods would undermine the monitoring of compliance by vehicles in public places with motor tax requirements and create difficulties for enforcement. There are no proposals to amend the current system.
87% of the national commercial goods fleet pays the minimum tax goods rate of â¬288 per year.
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