Category: Dictionary

The Local Property Tax was introduced in the 2012 budget and replaced the Household Charge.

The current rate of LPT is 0.18% for properties up to a market value of €1 million. Properties valued over €1 million are assessed at the actual value at 0.18% on the first €1 million in value and 0.25% on the portion of the value above €1 million.

The amount due is based on the valuation of the house on the 1 May 2013. Property values are organised into valuation bands of €50,000 increments. The tax liability is calculated by applying the tax rate to the median value of the band. For example, a house valued at €230,000 would fall into the €200,001 to €250,000 band. The median value is €225,000 so the amount due is €405.

Some local authorities (listed below) have reduced the LPT rate for 2015 by up to 15%.

Louth County Council: 1.5%
Limerick City and County Council, Longford County Council, Mayo County Council, Westmeath County Council: 3%
Kildare County Council: 7.5%
Cork County Council, Cork City Council: 10%
Clare County Council, Dublin City Council, D/L Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council: 15%

Local Property Tax (Revenue.ie)

From the Superannuation Handbook and Guidance Notes Established Civil Service Scheme, those employed on or after 6th of April 1995 pay the following contributions:

(a) 1.5% of gross remuneration (i.e. basic salary plus any pensionable allowances)
(b) 3.5% of net remuneration (i.e. gross remuneration – as indicated at (a) above – less twice the annual rate of the maximum Contributory State Pension (CSP) currently payable by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to a single person without dependants).

The current rate of CSP (correct as of 22/11/2012) is €230.30 a week.
If you have a spouse and/or child, there is an additional 1.5% contribution.

More details are available on the Irish Civil Service Pensions Information Centre.

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is how the majority of employees pay tax.

PAYE Employee (Revenue.ie)

Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) goes to the Social Insurance Fund which helps pay for Social Welfare benefits and pensions.

There are several categories for PRSI but in general an individual would pay 4% on their gross income.

Before 2013, the first €6,604 a year was exempt from PRSI for most tax payers but this was abolished in the 2013 budget.

PRSI is calculated based on gross income plus any benefit in kind.

Explanation of Social Insurance and who it covers (welfare.ie)

The Universal Social Charge (USC) was introduced in the 2010 budget to replace the Income Levy and Health Contribution. USC is applied to anyone earning over €13,000 per annum.

The rates are:

• €0 to €12,012 @ 1%
• €12,013 to €18,668 @ 3%
• €18,669 to €70,044 @ 5.5%
• €70,045 to €100,000 @ 8%
• PAYE income in excess of €100,000 @ 8%
• Self-employed income in excess of €100,000 @ 11%

For those with full medical cards or are over 70 and a total income of less than €60,000, the top rate of USC paid is reduced to a maximum of 3%.

The total USC payable is calculated based on gross income, including notional pay, before pension contributions.

Universal Social Charge FAQ (Revenue.ie)