Local Property Tax - Surcharge


We would advise our clients that they may face a surcharge in respect of Income Tax, Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax
even if those returns are filed on time but a Local Property Tax return or payment is outstanding.

The Revenue Commissioners issued the following notice on the 8th August 2013.

"If you file your Income Tax, Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax Return on time, but at the date of filing:

• you have failed to submit your Local Property Tax (LPT) Return or,
• you have failed to pay the LPT due or,
• you have not entered into an agreed arrangement to pay the LPT due,

a surcharge of 10% of the IT/CT/CGT liability will be applied to your notice of assessment automatically.

Anyone who has household charge arrears/LPT of €200 will also be subject to the 10% surcharge when the IT/CT/CGT Return is filed. Revenue systems will be in place in September 2013 to pay and file the household charge arrears/LPT. In the meantime, anyone wishing to pay the household charge arrears/LPT can do so by way of cheque or postal order (made payable to Revenue) which should be sent to the Local Property Tax Branch, Revenue Commissioners, PO Box 1, Limerick. It is recommended that you write the relevant Property ID and your PPS Number or Tax Reference Number on the back of the cheque/postal order. Alternatively, the €200 can be paid using your debit or credit card by calling the LPT Helpline on 1890 200 255."

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Most of the cases dealt with by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) last year related to landlords retaining deposits. The board’s annual report, recently published, revealed that 37 per cent of applications dealt with deposit retention and it remained the most common reason for parties seeking dispute resolution.

“A landlord is only entitled to retain a deposit where there is damage in excess of normal wear and tear, or where there are rent arrears or utility bills outstanding,’’ said the report.

In all, the board received 2,272 dispute applications, with 836 of those dealing with deposit retention and 719 rent arrears. “Rent arrears is the most common reason for a landlord to refer a dispute,’’ said the report. “Tenants are required by law to pay their rent when it falls due, regardless of whether or not they are in an ongoing dispute with their landlord.’’