How can I pay my Rates Bill?
1. Pay Online - Use the Self Service Payment Portal to manage your account, make payments and check balances.
2. Recurring Card Payments – Set up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly recurring payment using your Debit or Credit Card. Please contact your Credit Controller/Rate Collector
3. Payment may be made at one of Wexford County Councils Cash Offices throughout the County or at any Post Office using the barcode on the front of your Rate Bill
4. Direct Debit - Pay monthly over the course of the year. Please contact your Credit Controller/Rate Collector
5. Electronic Banking - Pay online by Electronic Fund Transfer. Please see the front of your Rate Bill for Wexford County Councils bank details and the reference to be quoted
6. By Telephone - Contact the Credit Control Department on 053 9196266 to make a payment over the telephone by Credit or Debit Card
What are Commercial Rates?
Rates are a property tax on commercial properties and the income generated goes towards meeting the day-to-day cost of services provided by Wexford County Council each year such as the Fire Service, Libraries, Public Lighting, Environmental Protection, Parks and Open Spaces, community supports and initiatives, the promotion of local economic development and emergency responses to events such as severe weather, floods, pollution etc.
How are Rates calculated?
The amount of commercial rates payable in any year by a business is calculated by multiplying the valuation of the property, known as the Net Annual Value (NAV), by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV).
The Net Annual Value (NAV) of a property is determined independently by Tailte Eireann
The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) is set annually by the Members of Wexford County Council at their Budget Meeting.
For example:-
Net Annual Value: €1,000.00
Annual Rate on Valuation for 2025: 0.253
Rates Payable: €1,000.00 x 0.253 = €253.00
Who pays Rates?
The person in occupation of a rateable property, or the owner if the rateable property is vacant, is liable for payment of the commercial rates.
To comply with Section 11 of the Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019 owners of rateable property are required to notify the Rates Department in writing of a change of occupier within 2 weeks of the date of transfer of the property. This includes a change in ownership, change in tenancy or where a tenant vacates. Submit your notification online. Failure to inform the Local Authority of transfers within 2 weeks may result in penalties being applied to properties.
The owner or occupier is legally required to discharge all commercial rates for which he/she is liable at the date of transfer.
When are Rates payable?
Rates are due and payable on the first day of the local financial year to which the rate applies. The Rate Bill is issued annually, usually at the end of January. The Ratepayer has 30 days to pay in full or, enter a payment plan with your Credit Controller.
Is there Interest on overdue Rates?
Yes, due to legislative changes, from the 1st of January 2026 interest will be charged at a rate of 8% per annum on any rates outstanding from the previous financial year.
Who is my Credit Controller?
Wexford Urban Elaine Warren Tel: 053 9196679
email: elaine.warren@wexfordcoco.ie
Wexford Sharon Furlong Tel: 053 9196380
email: sharon.furlong@wexfordcoco.ie
Enniscorthy Mary Cowman Tel: 053 9196842
email: mary.cowman@wexfordcoco.ie
Gorey Aishling Doyle Tel: 053 9196290
email: aishlingb.doyle@wexfordcoco.ie
New Ross Bernard Wadding Tel: 053 9196384
email: Bernard.wadding@wexfordcoco.ie
What if the rateable property is vacant?
Rates remain payable on vacant properties. The owner of the property may be entitled to a refund/discharge of rates providing the property is unoccupied –
a) For the purpose of the execution of additions, alterations (including demolition or redevelopment) or repairs thereon, or
b) Because the liable person is bona fide unable to secure a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent
Owners must complete a Vacant Premises Application (VPA) Form and submit it to the Rates Department, along with relevant supporting documentation, in order to claim a discharge of rates on vacant premises.