Over 115,000 last-minute LPT returns submitted to Revenue

Revenue said it is working through approximately 100,000 pieces of correspondence ahead of the new submission deadline

This is the first LPT revaluation since 2021, with Revenue noting that some property owners may require assistance in completing their return.

Thousands of property owners have submitted their Local Property Tax (LPT) returns ahead of the deadline on Wednesday for the 2026-2030 valuation period, the Revenue Commissioners have said.

More than 1m returns were filed by residential property owners at the beginning of this month, which led to an overwhelming use of Revenue's online portal.

Homeowners have to provide fresh valuations, which will be used to calculate the annual LPT for the next four years.

Since the filing extension was announced on November 7, Revenue said over 115,000 returns were submitted, which it said showed "strong engagement" from property owners across the State with 18,210 returns received on Wednesday alone before midday.

This is the first LPT revaluation since 2021, with Revenue noting that some property owners may require assistance in completing their return. In the run-up to the deadline, the revenue commissioners said their LPT helpline continued to experience high call volumes and have handled 7,000 calls daily over the past week.

For most people, an increase in the value of their properties since the last revaluation date in 2021 means they will face a modest increase in their LPT charge, with property values increasing by 23% nationwide from November 2021 to December 2024.

Revenue has a range of measures to take the payment from those who do not file a return. 

These include deducting the charge from salary or pensions, interest charges of 8%, and additional penalties.

Unlike other taxes where Revenue sets the amount, self-assessment places the responsibility on you to make a reasonable, evidence-based estimate. While it does not expect perfection, valuations should be justifiable. If a declared value is significantly incorrect, Revenue may request clarification or adjustment, and in some cases, penalties could apply.

The valuation bands that determine what a property owner pay are set to widen by 20%, ensuring most Irish homeowners, around 96% according to the Government, will remain in their existing bands. This will begin with the first two bands, which covers properties up to the value of €315,000. All subsequent bands increase in increments of €105,000 over €315,001, al the way up to the 19th band.

Revenue is working through approximately 100,000 pieces of correspondence, including postal queries and paper returns, the agency said on Wednesday. 

Property owners who have submitted a query to Revenue about their 2026 LPT obligations will be treated as compliant if they file their return promptly once they receive a response, it added. 

"This pragmatic approach ensures that anyone engaging with Revenue ahead of the deadline and following up promptly is considered compliant," the agency said.

Revenue encourages property owners who have not yet filed their LPT return to do so as soon as possible, and reminds them that payment of the 2026 LPT charge must be made by 9 January 2026, or via the chosen payment arrangement such as Direct Debit or Deduction at Source.