VAT on house payments

THERE has been much conversation about the new household charge which is, for many of us, a VAT charge on mortgage payments. Attempts to label this tax a wealth or property tax are just not accurate.

However it may evolve, for now the reality is that this €100 is in fact a VAT on our house payments. Those renting don’t pay, those buying do.

A tax of home ownership or property tax would only apply to those of us who own property. Moreover, I suggest that many of the elderly, the unemployed and those on reduced incomes might in fact be caught in a property tax with little ability to pay.