Written answers

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Department of Finance

Property Taxation

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance his estimate of the number of houses that will be entitled to an exemption from the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4205/13]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 sets out in detail how Local Property Tax (LPT) is to be administered and provides how a residential property is to be valued for LPT purposes. The Act also provides for a number of specific exemptions from the charge. A broad outline of exempt properties include:

- New and previously unused properties that are purchased from a builder or developer between 1 January 2013 and 31 October 2016;

- Properties purchased by first time buyers between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, if occupied as their sole or main residence;

- Residential properties owned by a charity or public body and used to provide accommodation and support for people who have a particular need to enable then to live in the community;

- Registered nursing homes;

- Unoccupied properties which had been the sole or main residence of a person who has vacated the property because of long term mental or physical infirmity;

- Properties fully subject to commercial rates;

- Diplomatic properties exempt under other legislation;

- Residential properties constructed by a builder or developer that remain unsold and have not been used as dwellings;

- Properties in unfinished housing estates as prescribed by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

In addition, I recently advised the House that I will bring forward proposals to exempt properties prescribed by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government as pyrite affected homes.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide an estimate of the number of houses in unfinished or pyrite affected estates that will qualify for exemption from LPT until the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has prescribed them and in relation to the other categories until the relevant LPT tax returns have been submitted and the exemptions claimed by property owners.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.