Rates

What are Rates?

Rates are a local property tax and the income is used to part-fund the annual day-to-day maintenance and provision of all services provided by Monaghan County Council. Rates are payable on commercial properties which have been valued by the Commissioner of Valuations (Valuation Office in Dublin).

What is the ‘Annual Rate on Valuation’ and how is it calculated?

The Elected Members of the Council determine the ‘Annual Rate on Valuation’ at the Budget Meeting each year. The Annual Rate on Valuation is determined by reference to the total shortfall in Council income, divided by the cumulative total of all valuations of rateable premises in the County (known as the Net Effective Valuation). Monaghan County Council expenditure is part-funded by government grants and income from goods and services. The shortfall between expenditure and income is funded from Commercial Rates.

The Annual Rate on Valuation for Monaghan County Council for the service year ending 31st December 2024 is €0.2445

Rates are used to fund various services such as Housing, Roads, Environmental Services and Recreation & Amenity

Do I still pay Rates if my property is vacant?

With effect from 1st January 2023 vacant commercial properties in County Monaghan will be subject to a charge equivalent to 20% of the rates liability of the property. In previous years, a 100% refund or write off was applied to these properties.

How will this affect you? For example, If you have a rates bill for €1,000 you will be liable to pay €200 in respect of commercial rates on this property.

In order to qualify for a vacancy refund a property must be :

  1. Vacant on the date the rate has been made and remain vacant. A pro rata charge will apply for any period the property is occupied
  2. Vacant for one of the following reasons:
  • Vacant and available for lease/letting. (Please note it is a stipulation of the legislation governing rates for vacant properties that the rent sought is reasonable).
  • Vacant for repairs or alterations
  • Vacant pending demolition or re-development

In order for rates refund to be considered, documentation in support of the reasons for your vacancy must be submitted including:

  • A detailed letter from a Letting Agents stating the dates the property was on its books and available to let giving details of the efforts made to let the property
  • Copies of advertisements placed in newspapers and property letting websites.
  • Photographic evidence of estate agents Lease/Let sign permanently erected on the building.

Your property will be subject to periodic on the spot inspections. Access to your property must be provided on request. If the property is found to be in use on inspection, rates must be paid in full.

For further clarification please contact the relevant Staff Officer.  Contact details are available on your Rate Demand Note.

Is there interest charged on arrears on Rate accounts?

This is covered under Section 12 & 14 of the Local Government (Rates and other Matters) Act 2019  –

  • Section 12 – Interest on overdue Rates: From 2026 Bills onwards there will be interest applied on bills due to any arrears on commercial rate accounts at the end of 2025.  Monaghan County Council strongly encourage all ratepayers to enter into payment schedules that seek to clear their commercial rate liabilities by the 31st December annually.
  • Under Section 14 of the Act, – Unpaid Rates to be a charge on the Relevant Property:  Any rates and accrued interest which is due and payable in respect of a property by an owner in their capacity as a liable person remains a charge on the property. 

To access your account please click the following link: https://rates.monaghancoco.ie/#/login

Rates can be paid at the County Council or at each of the Municipal District Offices in the following ways Cash/Cheque/Postal Order/Visa Debit/Credit Card/Direct Debit/Standing Order

A property owner, or their agent, must let Monaghan County Council know where an interest in a rateable property is transferred or sold (Section 11 of the Local Government Rates & Other Matters Act 2019 refers).

The person transferring the property, either the owner or occupier, must pay all rates that are due at the time of the transfer/sale. If you fail to notify Monaghan County Council of a change in interest within 10 working days of the transfer date, this may result in a penalty for non-compliance in that, the owner becomes liable for an amount which is equivalent to the level of outstanding rates (up to a maximum of 2 years liability).

Section 11 Form

Download Section 11 Form (PDF)

If you wish to pay your rates by direct debit you can download the forms below. Please note the standing order form should be returned to your bank and the direct debit form should be returned to Monaghan County Council.

Standing Order – Word Format

Direct Debit – Word Format

Revaluation of Monaghan Rating Authority Area

Click here to read public notice

Increased Cost of Business Grant

Local Authority Customer Portal

Monaghan County Council has enhanced the Rents and Rates App into one Local Authority Customer Portal.  This app can be accessed via smart phone, tablet or computer.

  • Features include the following:
  • Pay your rates bill online.
  • Emailed copy of receipts
  • View and print PDF versions of statement
  • Download PDF of Rates Demand