Council provides ratepayers with a range of payment options for your rates. The rates notice that you received in the mail or electronically (if you have elected to receive it this way) has details about these and the final due date for payment.
Having difficulty paying your rates?
If you are having difficulty paying your rates or have fallen behind in payment from previous years, there are a range of options available to you.
We understand that people sometimes need support or extra time. Importantly, do not ignore your rates notice or reminder notices as this may result in additional interest payments or debt collection.
Please review and use the options below if you need to, or you can call our team on 9518 3555 and we can talk you through what is available.
Payment plans
You may apply for a payment plan to make more smaller regular payments on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis to pay any rates arrears within a 12-month period. Longer arrangements may be considered in some circumstances.
If you can pay your balance within 90 days, you can also apply for a short-term extension.
You should also take into consideration the following year’s rates notice which may be issued to you during any repayment period.
Penalty interest will not be incurred if you enter a payment plan with us, on the condition that payments are received as per the agreed terms and conditions. Should you default on an agreement, penalty interest at the rate of 10% per annum may be charged in accordance with the relevant Victorian Government legislation.
To apply for a payment plan, complete our application (this link will take you to an external website, Maddocks Recoveries are our appointed agency to support these processes).
Apply for a payment plan
Once your application has been reviewed, someone from Maddocks Recoveries will contact you to discuss and finalise your application.
Financial Hardship Assistance
If you are experiencing severe financial hardship, you may apply to seek deferment of your rates and/or waiver of interest. In exceptional circumstances, Council may consider a waiver or rates (please note that this is unlikely).
Complete our Financial Hardship Application, our team will review the information you provide and be in touch. Providing all information requested will help to accelerate our review and assessment of your application.
Financial Hardship Application
When reviewing and assessing your application, our team will be guided by Council’s Financial Hardship Policy(PDF, 15MB)