The deadline for paying the controversial property tax must be extended to ease the burden on those in financial difficulty and “families struggling to meet their basic daily needs”.
This is the call of Sen Rónán Mullen, who is also standing as an Independent candidate in the Midlands North-West constituency for the EU elections. He wants the Government to extend the deadline of March 31 for people to bring their local property tax affairs up to date.
His call follows news that the Revenue intends to initiate a nationwide ‘compliance’ programme in April for those who have not entered into arrangements for the payment of the tax.
“It is a credit to the people of Galway that the property tax compliance rates for the county are so high, given the difficulties that a lot of families find themselves in,” he said. “However, for those who have not yet made arrangements, it is important the Revenue show understanding of their circumstances. Families are struggling to meet their basic daily needs and Government must acknowledge and make provision for this.”
While acknowledging that a payment deferral programme exists for some, Sen Mullen said many of those who are “silently struggling” because of large mortgage and other debt “won’t qualify for deferral under the current guidelines”.
Sen Mullen is encouraging those with questions about the property tax liability or who want to find out whether they can qualify for a deferral can telephone the Revenue Local Property Tax helpline on 1890 200 255
