Local Property Tax (LPT) is a self-assessed tax. It is a matter for every property owner to calculate the tax due on their property based on their assessment of its market value.
The existence of defective concrete blocks in the construction of a property can have a negative effect on its market value. Accordingly, where property owners have experienced a significant loss of resale value for this reason, this can be reflected when they select their valuation band. Taxpayers will be able to identify their appropriate band when filing their LPT return, which must be submitted by 7 November 2025.
The next valuation period for LPT is from 2026 to 2030. The LPT charge for this valuation period is based on the property owner’s valuation of their property as at 1 November 2025. All property owners, including those in Fingal west, will be able to determine the appropriate valuation band for their property based on the market value on 1 November 2025.
The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) also provides for an exemption from LPT for certain properties that have been affected by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction. This exemption will apply if an insurance company, or the builder who built the property, has carried out the necessary remediation work or has provided sufficient funds to carry out this work to the required standard. It will also apply if the property is eligible for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme administered by Clare, Limerick, Sligo, Mayo and Donegal County Councils. Property owners may apply to Revenue if they believe they meet the qualifying conditions for this exemption.
The LPT legislation provides for the possibility of deferring the charge to LPT in certain circumstances to assist individuals who may have difficulty paying the tax. A qualifying person may opt to defer, or partially defer, payment of the tax. Where a person qualifies for a full deferral then 100% of the liability can be deferred. Where a person qualifies for partial deferral, then 50% of the liability can be deferred. The balance of 50% of the tax must be paid. The deferred tax remains as a charge on the property and must be paid before a sale or transfer can be completed. Interest is charged at 3% per annum on the deferred amount.
Next year, the income thresholds will be €25,000 for a single person and €40,000 for a couple to qualify for a full deferral. The income thresholds to qualify for a partial deferral will be €40,000 for a single person and €55,000 for a couple.
It is also possible to apply for a deferral on the grounds of hardship if a person suffers an unexpected and unavoidable significant loss or expense as a result of which a person cannot pay their LPT liability without suffering financial hardship. Further information regarding the deferral of LPT is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/deferral-of-payment/index.aspx.
Any property owners experiencing financial difficulties can avail of a wide range of flexible payment options both in respect of their LPT liabilities and for any previous years where liabilities remain outstanding. The full range of payment options, which includes phased arrangements, are available to property owners on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/paying-your-lpt/index.aspx.
Finally, property owners experiencing difficulties in meeting their LPT obligations can contact Revenue through MyAccount at www.revenue.ie or by calling the LPT helpline (01) 7383626.
