John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

99. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of property tax return forms that have been received by the Revenue Commissioners; of those return forms received, the number that have chosen the deferral option; of those return forms received, the number have been left blank with an attackthetax sticker attached; and lastly if he will please confirm the number of the return forms received that have been filed by landlords and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23465/13]

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

I am advised by Revenue that in excess of 700,000 Local Property Tax (LPT) Returns have been successfully filed to date. As the Deputy will appreciate, with returns being filed on a constant basis, the Commissioners' focus is on processing the returns, dealing with correspondence, telephone calls and payment processing. It would not be practical or particularly useful for the Revenue Commissioners to carry out detailed analysis on the returns, including the type requested by the Deputy, until after the filing date on 28 May 2013. In regard to any forms that are returned blank, Revenue has confirmed to me that it will pursue the estimated liabilities in these cases, as part of the LPT compliance programme and that the individuals involved may be liable to interest, penalties and enforcement costs in addition to the estimated amount.

Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, under section 7 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2013, local authorities will have until 1 January 2014 to pay their 2013 LPT on any properties which they are liable to pay the tax. Accordingly, Revenue is in discussions with local authorities to put in place a practical approach to LPT Return filing for properties where they are the liable person.