Rates administration
There are a number of different arrangements for rate payment depending on your personal situation.
Centrepay
Centrepay enables Centrelink customers to pay a portion of their rates on a regular basis as a direct debit deduction from their fortnightly income.
Differential rates
We have adopted the use of CIV (Capital Improved Value) to calculate rates which allows us to apply differential rates.
Direct debit options
You can use direct debit to pay various accounts with us.
Direct Debit Request (DDR) Service Agreement
When applying to pay your rates via direct debit, you should understand our service agreement.
Farm rates
For the 2022-2023 rating period properties classified as working commercial farms are eligible for a 12.7 percent rebate off the farm rate. Hobby or lifestyle properties are not eligible.
Fire services levy
The fire services property levy is a State Government tax applied to all properties in Victoria designed to raise funds to assist with fire fighting services.
How rates are calculated
We, like many other Councils, have chosen the Capital Improved Value (CIV) for the calculation of rates. The date of valuation is assessed as at 1 July 2022.
Payment in four quarterly rates instalments
If you choose to pay your rates by instalments, the first instalment amount must be paid in full by 30 September.
Pension verification
Every year, we send a report to the federal government on all pension rebates claimed by applicants.
Pensioner concession rates rebates
Should you hold an eligible pension card, you may be eligible for a rates rebate on your property.
Rate capping
State Government has set a two percent rate cap, which the City has met.
Rates additional fees and charges
There are a number of additional fees and charges on your rates notice.
Rates arrangements
An agreement for rates payments can be made if you are experiencing financial difficulty.
Rates arrears
When you elect to pay your rates in full you must complete your payment by 15 February each year.
Rates deferral
A rates deferral may be possible if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Rates notices - payment codes
There are various payment reference numbers on your rates notice.
Rates overpayments
Overpayment of rates can occur at settlement of a property or simply by making a duplicate payment in error.
Rates waiver
A rates waiver may be possible if your valuation has increased over 50 percent (excluding building works) and you are a pensioner, or have a taxable income below $56,137 for 2022-2023.
Rating strategy
We have developed a comprehensive Revenue and Rating Plan that determines how rates income will be derived and outlines the payment options and assistance measures available.
Retrospective pension claims
You may be eligible to apply for a retrospective pensioner rates rebate claim at your property.
Unpaid rates
You need to pay your rates each year. The rate notice we send advises you of the payment options and the relevant due dates that apply.
Ways to pay your rates notice
You will need to make payment by certain dates, depending on the payment option you choose.
Your responsibilities - property ownership and mailing address
Ratepayers are legally required to advise the City of any changes in ownership and mailing address.