Sheriff / Revenue Sheriff letter explained in English
Sheriff. Collects debts after a court judgment or for Revenue. Fees are added to the debt.
Letters you may get
- Notice from the sheriff — pay now, or goods can be seized
- Certificate of enforcement — Revenue sent your tax debt to a sheriff or solicitor
What to do
- Contact them today and offer a payment plan. Fees grow quickly.
- Get free help from MABS before you agree to anything you can’t afford.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“review”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “objection”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Revenue
- The Irish tax office.
- judgment
- The court’s decision. A judgment for a debt can go on the public Register of Judgments.
- sheriff
- An official who collects debts after a judgment, or for Revenue. Fees are added to the debt.
- MABS
- Money Advice and Budgeting Service. Free, confidential help with debt and budgeting.
Questions
What is the Sheriff / Revenue Sheriff?
Sheriff. Collects debts after a court judgment or for Revenue. Fees are added to the debt.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Sheriff / Revenue Sheriff?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In Ireland, many deadlines count from the date printed on the letter. When a deadline counts from when you received it, Briefly adds about 2 days for post — check the envelope or postmark if you are close to the deadline. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“review”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “objection”).
Can I read a Sheriff / Revenue Sheriff letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Ireland
Revenue (Revenue Commissioners) · Department of Social Protection (Intreo) · County or City Council · Courts Service (District / Circuit Court) · Debt collection agency · An Garda Síochána · Motor Tax / NDLS · TV Licence (An Post)