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.

We need to make sure our property records are correct and up-to-date.

This means you must let us know in writing as soon as possible if there is a change to:

• any name
• address
• occupancy  

To change your details, email Customer Service or send us this form with your new details ( PDF 173.55KB). 

Change of Ownership

The Local Government Act 1989 (Section 231) provides that when ownership of a property changes, a prescribed form must be lodged by a prescribed person within one month of settlement.

You can do this by filling in and returning the Notice of Acquisition SRO ( PDF 636.74KB), or contacting your conveyancer or solicitor.

Find out if you are eligible to apply for a pensioner concession on your rates and charges.

If you are having difficulty paying your rates by the due date, please email customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

For more information, view Council’s Rates Hardship Assistance Policy ( PDF 527.83KB).

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.

The Municipal Association of Victoria explain how rate capping works.

• 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.