Extension of due date for first instalment. Council has extended the due date for the first instalment of 2020/21 Council rates to Wednesday 21 October. This is an acknowledgement that many in our community are experiencing financial pressure due to the pandemic.
The due date for the second instalment is still Monday 30 November. The due date for lump sum payments is still 15 February 2021.
Your rates provide around 58.7 per cent of Council’s total annual income, which helps to deliver more than 100 services to residents.
This income funds various Council services, including:
- home and community care for elderly and disabled residents
- maternal and child health
- maintaining roads, footpaths, parks and gardens
- maintaining sports grounds and leisure centres
This year, the average rate increase is 2 per cent. This has been set by the state government for all councils in Victoria under the new Fair Go rate-capping legislation. The 2 per cent rate increase will raise total rate revenue to $122.55 million.
Council’s rating year starts on 1 July and ends on 30 June.
Council rates notices are sent out each year in mid to late August.
When Are My Rates Due?
You can choose to pay your rates in a lump sum (the total amount in one payment), or in four instalments.
If you choose to pay a lump sum, your rates are due on Monday 15 February 2021.
If you choose to pay your rates in instalments (smaller amounts spread over a period of time), the due dates for each amount are:
- Wednesday 30 September 2020 (Extended to 21 October 2020)
- Monday 30 November 2020
- Monday 1 March 2021
- Monday 31 May 2021
If you are unable to pay your rates in full or by instalments by the due date, you may enter into a payment plan.
Our online Rates Payment Plan Calculator can help you work out the minimum payments required.
If you need further assistance, you can request help via our Relief and Support request form. You can also review our updated Hardship Policy ( PDF 527.83KB).
For more information, email the Rates Department or call us on 9262 6292.
How To Receive Your Rates Electronically
Council has two ways you can register to receive your rate notice electronically.
- Email Delivery: Sign up online to receive your rate notice by email.
- You will need to reference your rate notice
- Enter your assessment number and name exactly as it appears on your rate notice
- BPAY View: Register through your online banking. BPAY View sends your bills straight to your bank online, making receiving, storing and paying is even simpler. Find out more at BPAY View.
Your Rates
How Are My Rates Calculated?
Under the Fair Go rates system, the rate increase for 2020/21 was capped at 2 per cent for all councils in Victoria.
To calculate the 2020/21 rates, Council:
- added the 2019/20 budgeted rates with the annualised supplementary valuation income, then
- divided that sum by the forecast number of properties.
This determined the base average rate.
The base average rate was then:
- adjusted by the 2 per cent rate cap increase, then
- multiplied by the number of properties to determine Council's rates income for 2020/21.
By dividing the total rate income for the year by the total Capital Improved Value (CIV) for the city, a 'rate in the dollar' is calculated.
The 'rate in the dollar' for the 2020/21 rating year is 0.171365 cents.
By multiplying each property's CIV by the rate in the dollar, the individual rate amounts are calculated.
Find out more about property valuations.
Appealing Against Rates and Charges
The Local Government Act 1989 (section 184 [1] and [1B]) provides that if you are aggrieved by a rate or charge levied by Council (other than an appeal or objection against the valuation or against differential rating or against special rates and charges or special rates under section 221), you may, within 60 days after receipt of your Valuation and Rate Notice, lodge an appeal with the County Court and give to the Council notice that you intend to lodge such an appeal.
The grounds of appeal are set out in section 184 [2]. If for the first time your rate notice levies a special rate or charge, the Local Government Act 1989 (section 185) further provides that a person may apply to the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) for a review of a decision of Council to impose a special rate or charge on that person.
The application must be made within 30 days after the date of issue of your rate notice.
The grounds of appeal are set out in section 185 [2] [b]. A person may also apply to VCAT under section 185AA for a declaration concerning the validity of a decision of Council to impose a special rate or charge.
Payment Options
- Direct Debit: contact Council on 03 9262 6333 or download the application form ( PDF 56.03KB)
- BPAY: The BPAY biller code is 18325. Contact your financial institution and quote your ten digit Customer Reference Number shown on your rate notice.
- Internet: Pay by card online (MasterCard or Visa).
- Telephone: Payment by card (MasterCard or Visa) can be made by calling 1300 120 147 and quoting your assessment number as listed on the front of your rate notice
- Mail: Make the cheque payable to Whitehorse City Council. Mail the bottom portion of rate notice and payment to:
Whitehorse City Council, PO Box 14818, Melbourne VIC 8001.
Receipts will not be issued for payments by mail.
- In person: present your rate notice with your payment to any of Council’s Services Centres (Whitehorse Civic Centre in Nunawading, Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre or Box Hill Town Hall). EFTPOS, credit card, cheque, cash or money order are accepted. Payment can also be made at any Australia Post outlet.
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