Property tax in Kildare will be hiked by almost €60 a year for some homeowners

Homeowners in Kildare could be facing an increase of €58 in property tax bills in 2017 as the government looks to balance out some of the gains people will be making in this month's budget.

The Kildare County Council have lifted the rates on the Local Property Tax to a level that is now viewed as 'standard'. Until now, Kildare residents enjoyed a tax rate that was 7.5% below the standard rate, but the council have now raised it to the norm according to the Irish Independent.

It means that people who own homes in Kildare that are valued in the region of €400,000- €450,000 will be paying €765 in property tax this year, compared to the previous fee of €707. A property valued at €150,00- €200,000 will pay €315 in tax rather than €291, while a homeowners with properties valued at €200,000- €250,000 will see their rates increase from €374 to €405. Finally, properties valued between €300,000 and €350,000 will fall into the €585 tax band, which is €44 increase on the previous charge of €541.

It could be worse however. Limerick City and County Council and Galway County Council have increased their property tax rates to 10% above the normal rate. A property valued at €150,000- €200,000 in either of those counties face charges of €346.

The four Dublin County Councils have a tax rate that is 15% below the standard rate, which means a home valued between €150,000 and €200,000 has a tax of €267, almost €80 less than that of Galway and Limerick councils.