WITH THE welter of recent taxes and levies, property investors may have overlooked their punitive share. Not so the Department of the Environment, which is urging them to pay up their €200 levy on holiday homes and investment properties. Its website, www.nppr.ie , directs owners to pay into the local authority of where the property is located.

Tthe onus is on owners to declare and pay up and the €200 per property will become an annual charge. Mobile homes are excluded, but any solid structure which has functioned as a home is being taxed, with exceptions being made for people divorcing or separating, Payment is due by September 30th, with a month’s grace for late payments, but after November 1st a penalty of €20 per month for each month the tax is overdue is applied. Given the spread of holiday homes, it’s not surprising that some local authorities have been quick off the mark with website instructions on how to pay at their local offices. Online payment is in operation, but the department was unable to tell us if the coffers are swelling. Its too early to say what revenue is accruing - well know in a few weeks .