Overflow of LPT Returns Challenges Revenue Portal Efficiency
Homeowners in the state are facing a critical deadline this Friday for their Local Property Tax (LPT) submissions. Over 2.2 million property owners must submit updated valuations by the end of the business day. These valuations will determine their LPT obligations for the years 2026 to 2030.
Challenges with the Revenue Portal
The process has been hindered by significant technical issues with the LPT online portal. Users have reported random lockouts, complicating their ability to file returns. This glitch is particularly frustrating as the deadline approaches.
Impact of Property Value Increases
Most property owners will likely see a modest increase in their LPT due to rising property values since the last revaluation in 2021. While property prices have surged nearly 30% since then, wider valuation bands and a reduced tax rate mean homeowners are less likely to experience drastic increases.
- Average property price increase: 30% since 2021
- Tax rate halved since 2022
- Over 100,000 additional homes added to the tax base
Revenue Estimates and A Broken System
After its introduction in 2013, LPT raised nearly €500 million annually. However, it is now projected to generate just €600 million in the coming year, despite significant property value growth. This decline indicates a diminishing role for LPT in public finances, according to economist Barra Roantree.
Homeowners received an estimated valuation band from Revenue if they fail to submit their own valuation by November 1st. Even so, Revenue is still pursuing a formal return.
Frustration Among Taxpayers
As of Monday, less than half of the residential property owners had filed their LPT returns. Even though Revenue had previously announced that technical issues were resolved, they later admitted to ongoing intermittent problems with the portal.
With a flawed system unable to handle the expected volume of traffic, transparent communication from Revenue would be beneficial. Stakeholders expect more accountability rather than the current dismissive approach regarding the portal’s reliability.
