Written answers

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Department of Finance

Property Taxation Collection

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the deadline for property tax returns in view of the fact the many persons who do not have the option to file on-line have not yet received their forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23636/13]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, most recently in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 87 (20652/13) and 92 (20686/13) on 1 May, liable persons who have not yet received an LPT Return from Revenue must still self-assess the amount of LPT due, complete and file their LPT Return by the relevant deadline and pay the tax due. In my previous replies I also indicated that the logistics of ensuring that the chosen payment option can be activated in good time for the July payment date determines the closing date for paper return filing of 7 May 2013. The e-filing closing date of 28 May 2013 is the de facto extension to this date.

While the due date for filing paper LPT returns has now passed, a number of options are available to property owners for filing their returns electronically by the 28 May filing deadline. Depending on the customer's requirements, one of the following options will address their particular needs.

- For property owners for whom e-filing is not practical, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the legislation provides that another person may file an LPT Return online on their behalf.

- Property owners can also visit their local Revenue office where computers and assistance to file online will be available.

- A further option includes contacting the LPT helpline on 1890 200 255 (mobile phone users can contact the helpline on 01 702 3049) to file a Return online.

Where, due to recent publicity about the attempted mis-use of credit card details, a property owner does not wish to give their credit or debit card details over the phone, if they own a single property, they can file online through the LPT helpline and opt to make their payment through deduction at source from their salary, occupational pension or pension from the Department of Social Protection, by cheque or in cash to one of three service providers. It should also be noted that the credit card holder will not be held liable where the card is used without their proper authorisation.

Given the range of options that have been made available by Revenue to assist people experiencing any difficulty in meeting their LPT obligations, and the fact that owners of residential properties have already filed in excess of 700,000 returns and utilised the different payment options, I am very satisfied with the current arrangements that Revenue has in place and the communication of these arrangements to the public.

Therefore, I do not propose, nor is it practicable given the logistics involved, to extend the closing date or nor do I consider that any changes to Revenue's procedures are required in the run-up to the online LPT Return filing date.

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