Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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263. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the timing of property tax bill (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41906/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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In regard to the administration of Local Property Tax (LPT), the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) sets out the statutory due dates for payment.

I am advised that, mindful of the difficulties referred to by the Deputy, Revenue has introduced eight different payment options to assist property owners in meeting their liabilities in a manner and at a time that best suits individual circumstances.  For example, they can pay before Christmas, and many are choosing to do so, by phased payments throughout 2015 or by single debit authority from a bank account whereby the deduction will not be taken until 21 March 2015.

In regard to the 2015 liabilities, Revenue is currently writing to all property owners who paid their 2014 LPT liability as a single sum or by way of regular cash payments through the PSP's to advise them of their new liability (taking account of any Local Authority rate adjustments) and asking them to confirm their preferred payment method. Revenue is not contacting property owners who opted for either direct debit or Deduction at Source in respect of 2014 as these methods will automatically 'roll over' into 2015 (also taking account of any Local Authority rate reductions).

It is very important that any property owners who paid in full with a single payment in 2014 and wish to switch to a phased arrangement for 2015 inform Revenue no later than 25 November 2014 to allow sufficient time for the request to be put in place for the first pay period of the new-year.

Property owners who opt to pay in full should do so by 7 January 2015. 7 January is also the latest date for notifying Revenue in regard to the SDA option even though the deduction will not be taken until 21 March.

In conclusion the LPT system gives property owners the maximum facility to either pay in full or to  phase the payments over the course of the year.