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Rates FAQsLast modified: July 10, 2009 - 1:46 PM
The answer to some frequently asked questions about Rates. Why do I pay rates?Council has many services which are funded from rates. For example, the maintenance of roads and parks and gardens, libraries, swimming pools, community services for senior citizens and youth, animal control, town planning and tourism. Rates are the method by which the community contributes to the funding of these services. How are rates calculated?Each property falls into one of four categories for rating purposes, dependant on the actual use of the property. These categories are residential, farmland, mining and business. Council's rating structure consists of two parts, a base amount (a flat amount common to all properties) and an ad valorem component (an amount calculated on the land value of your property). When are my rates due and payable?You have the choice of either paying your rates in full, or by quarterly instalments. If you elect to pay in a lump sum, the full amount is due by 31 August each year. If you choose to pay by instalments the due dates are 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May. You will be sent a reminder notice one month before each payment is due. In 2009/2010 the 3rd instalment due date falls on a weekend so the instalment due dates will be Monday 31 August 2009, Monday 30 November 2009, Monday 1 March 2010 and Monday 31 May 2010. What should I do if I am having difficulty paying my rates?You should contact Council's Collections Officer on 4980 0393 as soon as possible, preferably before the account becomes overdue. Satisfactory arrangements can usually be made to tailor your payments to more manageable amounts. Are there penalties for late payment of rates?Yes. Interest accrues on rates and charges that remain unpaid after they become due and payable. If your rates become overdue and you do not make a repayment arrangement then the matter may be referred to Council's debt collection agency. If the matter progresses to legal action then you will incur expensive legal costs. How can I update my postal address?If your current postal address is different from the address shown on the front of your Rate Notice, please notify Council's Rates Team. Notification can be made by fax, post or via email using the "Change of Address Form" which can be downloaded from the Rates Forms and Applications page. Please note: Council will not accept notifications of change of address over the telephone. What effect will a revaluation have on the amount of rates I pay?Higher valuations do not increase total council rate collection as the state government 'pegs' rate rises. New valuations result in some ratepayers paying more while others pay less. The size of any change in your rate bill, as a result of new valuations, will depend on: a) how the change in your particular land value compares to the average change in land values across Port Stephens and b) the extent to which the council can, if necessary, moderate large rises or falls in individual rate bills by altering the base rate/ad valorem percentages. Contact details | ||||||
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