The local property tax (LPT) is annual self-assessed tax charged on the market value of all residential properties in Ireland. It came into effect on 1 July 2013 and is collected by the Revenue Commissioners. The tax is assessed on residential properties, with the owner a property being liable (though in the case of leases over twenty years, the tenant becomes liable). The revenue raised is used to fund the provision of services by local authorities and includes transfers between local authorities. Such services currently include public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets; and street lighting. Some recent media reports dispute that such services have been funded from 2013 property tax receipts.
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Valuation and rates
The tax is based upon the assessed market value of the property in May 2013. This valuation is to be used as the basis for a half-year payment in 2013, as well as 3 further full year payments in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The tax due is calculated via a system of market bands. The initial national central rate of the tax is 0.18% of a property's value up to €1 million, and in the case of properties valued over €1 million, 0.25% on the balance. From 1 January 2015, local authorities will be able to vary LPT rates -/+ 15% of the national central rate.
In the case of properties valued over €1 million, no banding applies – 0.18% is charged on the first €1 million (€1,800) and 0.25% on the balance. The government estimates that 85% to 90% of all properties falls within the first five taxation bands.
Exemptions
Properties which suffer from pyrite problems are exempt from the property tax initially.
Payment
On 6 May 2013, the Revenue Commissioners reported that 1.2 m households (74%) have paid the property tax. In August 2013, the Revenue said 1.58 m households have paid the tax, and over €175 m has been collected. Anyone who still has not paid by August 2013, will have the tax deducted from their salary or pension.
Household charge
The household charge was introduced by the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011, for collection in 2012. It was a flat-rate charge of €100 on each principal private residence, and acted as a precursor for the local property tax.
Non-principal private residence charge
The non-principal private residence charge was introduced by the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, for collection from 2009 to 2012. It was a flat-rate charge of €200, that was payable respect of residential property that was not the owner's only or main residence.
Residential property tax
The residential property tax was introduced in the Finance Act 1983 and was abolished on 5 April 1997.
It was an annual tax, charged at the rate of 1.5% per annum on the portion of the market value of an owner-occupied house which was greater than (in 1996) £101,000, as long as the household income exceeded £30,100.
Exemption from the RPT was possible if certain buildings were open to the public. This means that the exemption from RPT was possible in the case of property such as Charles Haughey's Kinsealy mansion—partially open for the Irish Cancer Society's Daffodil Day.
Rates
Prior to 1977, all property owners in Ireland had to pay "rates" – based on the "rateable valuation" of the property – to the local council. Rates were used by local authorities to provide services such as mains water and refuse collection. Rates for private residences were abolished in 1977, with local authorities instead receiving funding from central government. They continue in operation for commercial property.