SINN Féin is opposing
the introduction of a value-based property tax
saying it does not account for a family's ability to
pay. Finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty TD., said his
party will push instead for a 'wealth tax'.
“The value-based property tax, as proposed by the
Government, does not take account of personal
circumstances such as ability to pay or variations
in value based on location.
“The Government has not mentioned any linking of
their proposed tax with ability to pay or the taxes
already paid on the property."
Reports at the weekend suggested that the proposed
property tax will be based on value rather than size
and would be announced in the December budget.
However, the Government yesterday said no final
decision had been made on how the property tax would
be levied.
Meanwhile, Deputy Doherty added: “Sinn Féin’s wealth
tax is a more equitable proposal which links ability
to pay with a percentage tax on all property,
physical, material and financial, over €1 million.
"Our wealth tax allows 20% write-off of the value of
the principal residence. It is estimated to bring in
€800 million in a full year.
“I am calling on the Government to abandon its plans
for a property tax and seek negotiation with the
Troika on the issue in the Memorandum of
Understanding.
“In addition to this the Government must reverse the
household charge, which is a flat tax that is being
levied at households in anticipation of the
introduction of a property tax and water charges.” |
