Overview

Local property tax revenue in Ireland is projected to reach €767 million in 2026, a nearly ⁢10% increase from the €696.6 million collected ‍in 2025, ⁤according to figures released by‍ the Department of Housing, Local Government⁣ and Heritage. This rise is primarily⁣ due to property ⁣revaluations⁢ and the addition of newly liable properties, wiht adjustments made‍ by local councils contributing to the remainder of the increase.

Portal Usage and‍ Return ⁣Filing

The filing of 2026 local property tax returns is well underway, with 95%⁢ of returns submitted through the ⁢online portal. ‍Over the last three days alone, approximately 50,000 returns and payments have been processed via the portal. This indicates a high level of adoption of the digital filing⁣ system.

Impact of Council Rate Adjustments

Each ‍of Ireland’s 31 local authorities has the authority⁣ to ‍adjust the local property⁢ tax⁤ rate⁤ by up to plus or minus 15%. While most councils maintain a stable rate, changes⁢ in these ⁢adjustments are contributing to the overall revenue⁣ increase. Specifically, the decision by Dublin City⁤ Council (DCC) to discontinue ⁤a 15%⁣ discount ‍on the rate is expected‍ to ‍generate an additional €16.5 million⁤ in revenue.

This change significantly impacts DCC’s allocation, bringing it to €109 million – over €50⁤ million more than any other local authority. Carlow County Council receives the smallest allocation at €9.9 million.

In 2026, 20 ⁤local authorities will apply the maximum⁣ permitted 15% increase. conversely, only three – Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin County Council – will apply cuts to their charges.

Allocation Breakdown

The increase‍ of €70.4 million is comprised ⁣of ⁣approximately €47.1 million generated by revaluations and newly liable⁤ properties, and €23.3 million resulting from changes to the base rate by councils. The shift in Dublin ‍City Council’s policy is the most substantial single factor driving this‍ change.