Clare County Council has issued a reminder to property owners affected by the Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR) scheme that the deadline for payment of the €200 charge for the year 2010 is June 30.

The charge, which was introduced nationally in 2009, relates to people who own properties they do not normally live in, including private rental property and holiday homes. The fee is payable by the owner(s) of the NPPR to the Local Authority in whose area the property concerned is located.

Carmel Greene, Senior Executive Officer, Finance Department of Clare County Council, commented: "The NPPR Charge, which was introduced under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 set an annual charge of €200 per residence, with a significant late payment fee. It is important to note that the €20 late payment fee will apply in respect of each month or part of a month during which the charge remains unpaid."

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Ms Greene said the charge is based on self-declaration and therefore, the onus is on the property owner themselves to register their property and make the payment.

"The Council urges owners of non principal private residences to log on to NPPR website and register their property and make payment before June 30 2010, to avoid incurring additional fees," she said.

"Any unpaid charges and penalties might constitute an encumbrance on any future sale or transfer of the property.

"For 2010, this means that the late payment fee will apply to all payments made on or after July 1 2010. The late payment fee will continue to roll up as long as the charge remains unpaid and the amount involved can be substantial."

Ms Greene concluded: "Existing customers who paid the charge in 2009 should log onto www.nppr.ie and make renewal payments using their pre-assigned account reference number.

"Those who have become the owner of a non-principal private residence can register for the first time as a New Customer."

(NS/GK)