Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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115. To ask the Minister for Finance the supports available to older and vulnerable households in order to assist them in submitting their local property tax revaluation given that many persons are unable to access the online valuation tool and other information online; if he will establish a helpline in order to provide assistance to persons for this process; if he will arrange a follow-up awareness campaign to inform persons that such a helpline exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50154/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Revenue has issued over 1.4 million notices to property owners in recent weeks, setting out what is required to meet Local Property Tax (LPT) obligations for the new ‘valuation period’ (2022 to 2025). This includes approximately 200,000 hard-copy LPT returns to property owners who have not previously availed of the online options.

Revenue is also operating an LPT Helpline (01-7383626) to assist property owners who may be experiencing difficulties meeting their Return filing obligations for the new ‘valuation period’, which must be completed by 7 November 2021. The Helpline which operates from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, is currently answering an average of 3,000 calls per day.

Revenue has advised me that property owners who have not received a hard-copy LPT Return and are unable to file online should contact the Helpline for assistance. As part of the service the Helpline agents will assist with both the Return filing and payment selection processes. In advance of calling the Helpline, property owners will need to have determined the market value of their property so that the Return can be completed. They should also have their PPSN, Property ID and PIN to hand. The Property ID and PIN numbers can be found on any LPT correspondence previously received from Revenue.

When determining the market value of a property for the new ‘valuation period’, it is not necessary for property owners to use online sources for guidance if it is difficult for them to do so. Non-online sources such as the property pages in newspapers (local and/or national) or checking the information displayed in local auctioneer offices are alternative sources that can provide useful guidance to assist in determining the correct ‘valuation band’ to be applied.

Finally, Revenue has confirmed that it will conduct a comprehensive LPT media campaign, using both print and digital channels, over the coming weeks in the lead up to the 7 November filing date.