Revenue raises less than 50m in opening year of land-hoarding tax

"While 2,469 landowners registered for the self-assessed RZLT, only 2,171 returns were filed to Revenue, and 583 deferrals were granted. Hugely unpopular with farmers, the anti-hoarding tax was introduced in 2022 to encourage landowners to build houses on land that is both zoned residential and also serviced with water, electricity and sewage infrastructure. It is levied at a rate of 3pc of the land's market value."

"The amount raised is low at €49.2m, the Government would argue that the aim of the RZLT is to get serviced land into use for housing, rather than to raise revenue. There were 172 claims for an exemption from RZLT in 2025 The first deadline to file for RZLT was originally set at May 23 last, but Revenue extended it by a week. Surcharges of up to 30pc of the annual liability can be imposed on late RZLT returns."

Revenue carried out 291,600 audits last year and secured 204 criminal convictions, producing a total liability of €120.4m, more than twice what was paid. The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) saw 2,469 landowners register but only 2,171 returns filed, with 583 deferrals granted. The levy, set at 3% of market value, raised €49.2m. There were 172 exemption claims in 2025. Deadlines were extended once, and surcharges up to 30% can apply for late returns. Local authorities must publish RZLT maps by January 31, and 2026 returns are due by May 23.

Read at Irish Independent