Rates bills will be issued across Northern Ireland this week. There are approximately 850,000 rateable domestic properties and around 75,000 non-domestic properties here.
Bills will begin to be issued to properties and businesses from Thursday, April 3. Last year, almost £1.6 billion was collected in rates, providing funding for essential public services including health, education, infrastructure.
It also includes council services such as waste management, leisure facilities, economic initiatives and tourism facilities. The average household rate bill in Northern Ireland in 2024-25 was £1,180.
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Comparisons with average Council Tax bills in England, Scotland and Wales are not straightforward as the two systems are very different. However, most households here pay less in rates in terms of average per dwelling than equivalent households in other parts of the UK pay in Council Tax.
In addition to the amount and date the payment is due, ratepayers can expect to see the following included on their rate bill:
The calculation of Rates assessed for 2025/26, Details of any Rate Relief that has been awarded, and Balances of rate arrears that have carried forward for payment.When it comes to rates bills in Northern Ireland, a wide range of application-based rate relief schemes are available, including Rate Rebate for those in receipt of Universal Credit and a discount for pensioners aged over 70 who live on their own. Businesses may also be able to access a range of rate support schemes. More details can be found on the www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/help-available-business-rates.
Domestic ratepayers can receive 4% discount if they pay their 2025/26 rates in full on or before Friday 9 May 2025. There are a number of ways to pay, these include Direct Debit, Online and at a Post Office or PayPoint. Find out more at: How you can pay your rate bill | nidirect
Everyone with a responsibility to pay rates must do so to help fund the vital public services citizens and businesses rely on. Land & Property Services (LPS) encourages anyone having difficulty paying rates to contact them for advice on the range of support available. Full details can be found on the NI Direct website www.nidirect.gov.uk/ratespayment.
If there is information on your bill that is not correct, or if you have not received a bill by the end of April, please contact LPS on 0300 200 7801.
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