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Wexford County Council Rates Department

Wexford County Council Commercial Rates Section

Wexford County Council administers rates for Wexford Council Council, Wexford Borough Council, Enniscorthy Town Council and New Ross Town Council.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:-

What are Rates?
How are Rates assessed?
Who pays Rates?
When are Rates Payable?
What are the consequences on Non Payment of Rates?
How can I pay my Rates Bill?
Can I spread my rate payment over the year?
Is any property exempt from Rates?
I think my rateable valuation is too high or I think I am entitled to an exemption of Rates?
If the Valuation is appealed is the Rates payable?
Has the Council authority to set of a payment against rates due?
If my property is vacant am I entitled to a refund/discharge?

What are Rates?

Rates are a property tax on Commercial Properties and the revenue raised goes towards meeting the cost of services provided by Wexford Local Authorities each year.

For example:
Fire Services, Public Lighting, Libraries, Public Parks. For further information on services provided, see the Annual Report .

How are Rates assessed?

The Rate Charge is calculated by multiplying the “Rateable Valuation” by the “Annual Rate on Valuation”.

The “Rateable Valuation” of a property is determined by the Commissioner of Valuation.

The “Annual Rate on Valuation” is set annually by the Members of Wexford Local Authorities at their budget meetings.

For example:-

Rateable Valuation of Property as determined by the Valuation Office = €50.00
Wexford County Council Rate on Valuation for 2011 = €72.77
Rates due for 2011 (€50.00 x €72.77) = €3,638.50

Who pays Rates?

The person liable for payment of rates is the person in occupation of the rateable property on The Date of Making the Rate (which is usually in the month of March following the publication of Statutory Notices) with the following exceptions:-

If the property is vacant at the Date of Making the Rate, the owner of the property is liable.
If an occupier leaves a property with unpaid rates the subsequent (next) occupier becomes liable for unpaid rates (up to 2 years rates) plus current rate charges.

This issue or other charges owed to Wexford Local Authorities should be specifically addressed by you with your Solicitors during the preparation of leases or property transfers.

When are Rates Payable?

The Rate Bill is issued annually usually during the month of March and is payable in two instalments, the first instalment (50%) plus any arrears outstanding (if any) is payable when the Rate Bill is issued. The second instalment is payable on the 1^st July.

What are the consequences of Non Payment of Rates?

Wexford Local Authority will issue a notice demanding payment within 6 days, unpaid notices will be referred to the Local Authority appointed Solicitor and the matter will be pursued through the courts. The defendant will be liable for all legal costs incurred.

How can I pay my Rates Bill?

Electronic Transfer - For instructions on electronic transfers please refer to the Rate Bill.
Direct Debit / Standing Order Mandate - Contact your rate collector/credit controller. Contact details shown on your Rates Bill.
Directly to your Rate Collector/Credit Controller - Contact details shown on your Rates Bill.
Secure Internet Payment - Wexford Co. Co. Rate Customers only can avail of the Pay Online Secure Internet facility; see back of Rate Bill for further information.
Payment may be made directly in person or by post at:-

The Receipts Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Co. Wexford.

Monday-Friday 9am to 12.45pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm

The Receipts Office, Wexford Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Spawell Road, Wexford.

Monday-Friday 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm

The Receipts Office, Enniscorthy Town Council, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Monday-Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm

The Receipts Office, New Ross Town Council, The Tholsel, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Monday-Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Payment can be made by Cash (Do not send cash in the post), Credit Card, Laser Card/MasterCard, cheque, Postal Order or Money Paying Order, quoting your Commercial Rate Account Number.

Can I spread my rate payment over the year?

Yes, by signing up to a Direct Debit or Standing Order Mandate. Wexford Local Authorities will accept monthly payments as long as the Rate Charges are paid in full by the year end. Please contact your Rate Collector/Credit Controller, contact details located on Rate Bill.

Is any Property Exempt from Rates?

Yes, Domestic properties, Community Halls, Farm Land and Farm Buildings, properties directly occupied by the State, Schools, and Churches etc.

I think my rateable valuation is too high or I think I am entitled to an exemption of rates?

Persons aggrieved at their valuations may list the property for revision, subject to the payment of a €250.00 fee. Contact the Commissioner of Valuation:

Valuation Office
Irish Life Centre
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Telephone (01) 817 1000
Website address: www.valoff.ie

Revaluation information and application forms are available at: www.valoff.ie

If the Valuation is appealed is the Rate payable?

Yes, the Commercial Rate is payable based on the current valuation. If the valuation is reduced on appeal any overpayment will be refunded. The valuation may also increase on appeal with subsequent increases in Rates.

Has the Council authority to set of a payment against rates due?

Yes. If a payment is due to a person or company and rates are due by the same person or company, the payment may be set off against the rate.

If my property is vacant am I entitled to a refund/discharge?

The owner of the property may be entitled to a refund/discharge of rates providing:-

The entire property is vacant at the Date of Making the Rate.
He/She is unable to secure a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent or is carrying out repairs/alterations to the premises.

I have a query in relation to Rates or my Rates Bill, who should I contact?

You can :-

Contact your Rate Collector/Credit Controller, contact details as set out on your rates bill.
Contact the Rates Section Office directly on 053 9196398 / 9196368.
E-Mail rates@wexfordcoco.ie