Rates
Rates 2012/2013
New - BPoint payment option is now available through the following link BPoint
(your biller code and customer reference number are located at the bottom of your rates notice)
Rates can be paid in the following ways:
1. In Person at the Shire of Katanning Administration Offices
2. By Phone using a valid credit card
3. By Mail
4. Via the Internet through B Point or internet banking
Please ensure that you always quote the Assessment number when making payment on any rates payments.
Our bank details:
Commonwealth Bank Katanning Branch
BSB: 066-515
Account Number: 0000 0015
Reference: (Your assessment number)
Council rates and charges are levied each year and apply to the current financial year. Anyone having difficulty in meeting their rate payments is requested to contact the Shire's Finance/Rates Officer to discuss alternative arrangements.
Instalment Options
Option 1 – Payment in Full By a Single Instalment
Full amount of rates and charges to be paid on or before 30th August 2012. A discount of 5% of the current rates levied is available*.
*In order to receive the discount the rates must be paid on or before 1st September 2011. Please note there are no exceptions permitted.
Option 2 – Payment by Two Equal Instalments
1st Instalment – 30th August 2012
2nd Instalment - 3rd January 2013
Please note that the instalment plan comprises simple interest of 5.5% calculated from the date of the first instalment, together with an administration fee of $9.00 per instalment notice.
If the first or subsequent instalments are not paid by the due date, the full amount will become overdue and may be recovered by court action.
Option 3 – Payment by Four Equal Instalments
1st Instalment – 30th August 2012
2nd Instalment – 1st November 2012
3rd Instalment – 3rd January 2013
4th Instalment – 5th March 2013
Please note that the instalment plan comprises simple interest of 5.5% calculated from the date of the first instalment, together with an administration fee of $9.00 per instalment notice.
If the first or subsequent instalments are not paid by the due date, the full amount will become overdue and may be recovered by court action.
Pensioner Rebates
To qualify for a rebate you must own and occupy your house as at 1 July each year and currently be in receipt of a current:
1. Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink/Veterans Affairs; OR
2. Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Affairs AND a Commonwealth Seniors Heath Card OR
3. Senior Card only
If you hold a current Pensioner Concession Card (1) OR hold both a Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Card (2), you are entitled to a rebate of up to 50% (maximum) on your current Rates and ESL.
If you hold a Seniors Card only you are entitled to a rebate of 25% on your current Rates and ESL or a maximum rebate as stated each year by the State Government.
Should you meet the criteria listed above (1, 2 or 3) and have not previously registered you can now register by visiting www.watercorporation.com.au Your rebate is calculated from the date that you register with the Water Corporation.
Pro-rata rebates and deferments may be allowable for those who become a pensioner or senior during the rating year. i.e. after 1 July. If you become a pensioner or senior during the year you must register immediately.
If your circumstances change, particularly with respect to ownership of your property, if you no longer occupy your property or your eligibility as a pensioner or senior changes, you must notify this office immediately.
Please note: Rebates or deferments apply to rates, specified area rates and emergency services levy only. All other charges must be paid in full.
Objections to Rate Valuation
If you believe your valuation is incorrect, please contact our office and we will verify valuation details with the Valuer General's Office. If the valuation is confirmed as being correct you can lodge an objection against the valuation to the Valuer General's Office within 42 days of the issue of the rate notice. Any person objecting to a valuation must set out in detail their objection and a complete description of the land on the prescribed form available from the Shire Office. If a valuation is amended, Council will make an adjustment of the rates.
Change of Address
To ensure prompt receipt of your rate notice, please contact the Shire to notify us of any change to the ownership of properties or changes of postal address. There is a requirement under the Local Government Act that the vendor or agent shall, within 21 days after the sale of a property, give to the Shire written notice of the sale with a description of the land and name and address of the purchaser. Consequences of Non Payment |
An interest rate of 11% will be charged on all rate payments which are late.
In addition, any legal fees incurred in the collection of non-payment of rates will be added to the rates account.
Recovery of Rates
If the amount shown as payable in respect of rates and charges is not paid in full or the first or subsequent instalments are not paid by the due date, the full amount will become overdue and may be recovered by court action.
Please be aware that non-payment of rates may lead to the land being seized to recoup outstanding monies.
If a general procedure claim is issued against you, the default is registered by the Magistrates Court to the credit reporting agencies within Australia where the details are shown for a five year period. This information is accessed for finance/loan applications.