Domestic Rates Calculator (NI)
The estimated capital value of your property (1st Jan 2005 valuation).
— Select District —
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Ards and North Down
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
Belfast
Causeway Coast and Glens
Derry City and Strabane
Fermanagh and Omagh
Lisburn and Castlereagh
Mid and East Antrim
Mid Ulster
Newry, Mourne and Down
Custom Rate / Other
Enter the combined Regional + District rate.
None
Lone Pensioner Allowance (20%)
Early Payment Discount (4%)
Combined (Lone Pensioner + Early Pay)
Select any applicable tax reliefs or discounts.
Estimated Bill
Gross Annual Rates:
£0.00
Applied Discount:
-£0.00
Total Annual Rates:
£0.00
Monthly Installment (10 months):
£0.00
Understanding Domestic Rates in Northern Ireland
Domestic rates are a property tax based on the capital value of your home. Unlike the Council Tax system used in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), Northern Ireland uses a rates system calculated directly from a property's individual valuation multiplied by a specific "pence per pound" rate.
The Formula:
Rates Bill = (Capital Value of Property) × (Combined Rate Pence in £ / 100)
Rates Bill = (Capital Value of Property) × (Combined Rate Pence in £ / 100)
Components of the Domestic Rate
Your total rates bill consists of two distinct elements added together:
- Regional Rate: This is set annually by the Northern Ireland Assembly and applies uniformly across all of Northern Ireland. It funds central government services like healthcare, education, and roads.
- District Rate: This is set by your local Council (one of the 11 districts) to fund local services such as waste collection, leisure centers, and parks. This rate varies depending on where you live.
How Capital Value is Determined
For domestic properties, the rateable value is based on the property's capital value as of the 1st January 2005 valuation list. Even if your house is worth significantly more in today's market, your rates are calculated based on what it would have been worth in 2005 (capped at £400,000 for calculation purposes).
Available Reliefs and Allowances
Several schemes exist to help reduce the burden of domestic rates:
- Lone Pensioner Allowance: If you are a pensioner aged 70 or over and live alone, you are entitled to a 20% discount on your rates bill.
- Early Payment Discount: If you pay your rates bill in full by the specified date (usually early in the tax year), you can receive a 4% discount.
- Housing Benefit / Rate Relief: Available for those on low incomes to assist with paying rates.
Payment Methods
Rates can typically be paid in one lump sum (often attracting a discount) or spread over 10 monthly installments from April to January. This calculator provides an estimate for both the annual total and the standard 10-month direct debit amount.