Written answers

Thursday, 19 January 2017

Department of Finance

Help-To-Buy Scheme Administration

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Finance the timeframe it currently takes from application to registration by the Revenue Commissioners for builders seeking to be registered for the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2453/17]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by Revenue that completed applications for registration as a 'qualifying contractor', for the purposes of the Help To Buy incentive are generally processed within one week of their application.

Once the application contains all the relevant information required, which is set out in section 477C(2) Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, Revenue are able to determine if an applicant should be registered as a 'qualifying contractor', and subsequently publish his or her details on the Revenue website. Revenue are required to be satisfied that applicants meet the compliance levels required, which involves having a valid tax clearance certificate and being considered compliant for Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) purposes.

I am further informed by Revenue that up to 17 January 2017, there have been 44 applications for registration from contractors, 7 of which have been registered as 'qualifying contractors' and have had their details published on the Revenue website. There has been a marked increase in the number of contractors applying for registration recently, with half of the 44 applications being received in the last week alone. Revenue has prioritised the processing of these applications and will continue to do so in order to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays in registering 'qualifying contractors'.

Revenue have provided a range of information and summary guidance about the registration process on their website, and this has been circulated to relevant sectoral bodies. Where incomplete applications have been submitted, or further information is required, these applicants will be advised as to what outstanding items or compliance issues need to be addressed in order to apply successfully.

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