The figure does not include the postage costs.
The rates process has been hit by Stormont's failure to agree a budget for 2017/2018.
"The approximate cost for stationery, data handling and printing is £43,582 for the issue of 581,102 letters," a Finance Department spokesperson said.
"Land and Property Services is not currently in a position to provide a cost for postage until the mailing has been completed."
Direct debit payments - currently made by about 270,000 people or businesses - will not be taken until after bills have been dispatched.
Normally, annual rates payments are spread over 10 months, from April to January.
A budget for 2017/2018 has not yet been agreed because of the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Sending out letters to tell ratepayers their bills have been delayed due to the Stormont crisis has cost Land and Property Services more than £40,000.