Rates FAQs

FAQS
I have been financially affected by COVID-19, do I still have to pay my rates?

All property owners within the local government area are required to pay their current quarterly rates.

However, Council has hardship provisions in place for property owners experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 including interest free payment plans and deferral of rate instalments.

For more information on Council's COVID-19 hardship provisions see here.

Who decides what we get charged for rates?

The rates adopted by Council in accordance with increases approved by the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal are applied to the land value determined by the NSW Valuer General. 

The NSW Valuer General revalues properties every three years, with the latest valuations coming into effect from 1 July 2020, which may impact on the 2020/21 rates levied.

Each year rates are calculated for the coming financial year and are placed on public exhibition for 28 days prior to being adopted by Council (April/May each year).  Community consultation is also undertaken during this process.

Further details on how rates are calculated can be found here.

Why have my rates gone up so much?

The Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Council's application to increase Maitland City Council's total rates revenue by 7.25% each year for seven years.

Individual property rates may increase by more or less than 7.25%.

From 1 July 2020, Council will enter the final year of its IPART approved Special Rate Variation.

Why did Council request the special rate variation?

Council applied for a special rate variation to ensure the organisation is able to financially sustain service delivery to our growing community.

Council committed to enhancing services in key areas of community priority and to continue to maintain existing services.

Full details on why the special rate variation was required can be found here.

What if I can't pay my rates on time?

Council has a range of policies in place to assist ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship.  Further details are available here or phone 02 4934 9700 to discuss payment options with an officer in our Rates Department.

Am I getting a pension rebate? How do I apply?

A pensioner rebate of $250 per annum is available for eligible ratepayers. 

This will show separately on your rates notice.

If you are not sure if you've received the pension rebate, please email info@maitland.nsw.gov.au.

To be eligible for the rebate you will need to be a:

  • Holder of a Pensioner Concession Card.
  • Holder of a gold card embossed with TPI (totally permanently incapacitated).
  • Holder of a gold card embossed with EDA (extreme disablement adjustment).
  • War widow or widower or wholly dependent partner to the Pension Concession Card.

To apply for the rebate, you will need to complete and submit the pensioner concession rebate form.

When are my rates notices issued?

Annual rates notices are issued in July each year and are payable in four instalments, due by 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May each financial year.  A rate instalment notice is issued 30 days before each instalment is due.

How can I pay my rates?

You can pay your rates in a variety of ways:

  • Direct debit
  • BPAY
  • Via our website using Visa or Mastercard
  • At Australia Post
  • In person at our office
  • Cheque via mail

Further details can be found here or on the back of your rates notice.

Why is my first instalment higher than my last three instalments?

There are different levies and charges that make up your rates notice, including your waste management charge, as well as a contribution to stormwater management and Hunter Local Land Services.

These different items are divided over four instalments, with the first instalment including the roundings from the remaining instalments. The first instalment also includes any amount you have outstanding from last financial year.

How can I change my postal address?

You can change your address here.

Can I receive my rates notices via email?

Yes, to change your delivery preference to email, click here.