Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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168. To ask the Minister for Finance if receipts will be issued to persons who pay the local property tax; when same will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37257/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that payments are acknowledged in all circumstances where a person pays Local Property Tax (LPT) via Revenue’s online service. Since July 2011 paper receipts no longer issue in respect of any tax payments. This decision was taken on the basis that the vast majority of taxpayers conduct business with Revenue via its online service. The online service facilitates direct access to payment information and therefore customers have no need for a paper receipt. The change has resulted in significant cost savings in terms of postage, stationery and staff resources.

This arrangement now also applies to LPT and customers who file online receive an electronic acknowledgement and have ongoing access to their return and payment details. The only exception in regard to paper receipts is where a person pays LPT online through the telephone helpline, 1890 200 255. In such circumstances a paper acknowledgement issues within two weeks.

Customers who file and pay using the paper LPT return do not receive a paper receipt. They do of course have evidence of LPT payments through their own financial institution records. However, in circumstances where a payment fails for whatever reason, Revenue makes direct contact with the customer.

I am also advised that where customers opt to pay LPT using one of the Revenue appointed third party payment service providers, receipts issue from the provider for each payment made. The appointed payment service providers are An Post Taxpay, Payzone and Omnivend.