<P> The local property tax (LPT) is annual self - assessed tax charged on the market value of all residential properties in Ireland . It came into effect on 1 July 2013 and is collected by the Revenue Commissioners . The tax is assessed on residential properties, with the owner a property being liable (though in the case of leases over twenty years, the tenant becomes liable). The revenue raised is used to fund the provision of services by local authorities and includes transfers between local authorities . Such services currently include public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets; and street lighting . Some recent media reports dispute that such services have been funded from 2013 property tax receipts . </P> <P> The tax is based upon the assessed market value of the property in May 2013 . This valuation is to be used as the basis for a half - year payment in 2013, as well as 3 further full year payments in 2014, 2015 and 2016 . The tax due is calculated via a system of market bands . The initial national central rate of the tax is 0.18% of a property's value up to € 1 million, and in the case of properties valued over € 1 million, 0.25% on the balance . From 1 January 2015, local authorities will be able to vary LPT rates - / + 15% of the national central rate . </P>

When was local property tax introduced in ireland