Households all over Northern Ireland will begin to see their rate bills dropping through the letterbox from April 3.

There are approximately 850,000 rateable domestic properties and around 75,000 non-domestic properties in Northern Ireland.

Last year almost £1.6billion was collected in Rates, providing funding for essential public services such as health, education, infrastructure as well as council services including waste management, leisure facilities, economic initiatives and tourism facilities.

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.

Rate bills will begin to be issued from the 3 April 2025. Last year almost £1.6billion was collected in Rates, providing vital funding for essential public services such as health, education, infrastructure as well as council services including waste management, leisure facilities, economic initiatives and tourism facilities. CREDIT LAND AND PROPERTY

placeholder image — Rate bills will begin to be issued from the 3 April 2025. Last year almost £1.6billion was collected in Rates, providing vital funding for essential public services such as health, education, infrastructure as well as council services including waste management, leisure facilities, economic initiatives and tourism facilities. CREDIT LAND AND PROPERTY

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, May 9, 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

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.