Paying your rates

As a result of COVID-19, a range of initiatives have been actioned to provide community and business support through the legislative and policy mechanisms available to Council, and at this stage, with a particular focus on actions under Council's Hardship Policy. These actions include:

  • Suspension of interest charges on outstanding rates 
  • Suspension of debt collection activities 
  • Provision to defer quarterly rate instalments
  • Establishment of appropriate payment plans 
  • Waiving of lease payments for Council Lease/Licence holders
  • Council tenants currently excluded can apply for consideration based on hardship.

Application is required to access the provisions.

Council encourages any ratepayer experiencing difficulties in making payments to contact Council's rates team on 02 4934 9700

Like all councils across the country, rates are levied on a financial year cycle and can be paid in full by the 31 August or you can elect to pay the total amount by four quarterly instalments due on 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May each year.

Due to the current pandemic, the current interest rate on overdue rates is 0% per annum. This will be re-examined in late 2021.

You can pay your rates in a variety of ways, including through the website, by mail, in person, at Australia Post, by direct debit, over the phone or by using Bpay.

Concessions

Some pensioners are also eligible for mandatory concessions. You can find out more about the pensioner concession policy and application process here.

Online services

There are a range of different online services you can take advantage of through the website including paying your rates online, updating your contact details, changing your rates delivery preference, requesting a rates refund and applying for a Section 603 certificate.

Difficulty and hardship

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your rates, please contact a member of our rates section on 02 4934 9700 to discuss payment options or complete the rate repayment plan application using Adobe Reader.  Once Council has reviewed your repayment application, you will be notified by return email or phone, if it has been accepted or refused.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, please don't hesitate to contact a member of our rates section on 02 4934 9700 to discuss possible options.

 

Pay my rates  Apply for a rates repayment plan

Pay my rates  Apply for a rates repayment plan

Related documents

Please download the pdf and open in Adobe for full functionality of the interactive forms, including being able to electronically sign the form.