How to pay your rates

Payment dates

You can pay your rates notice in one of three ways:

• Option 1: one lump sum on or before 15 February 2020
  
• Option 2: four equal instalments
  
• Option 3: 10 monthly payments (by direct debit only).
  

If you choose to pay in four instalments, the date for each instalment is as follows:

• Instalment 1: 30 September 2019
  
• Instalment 2: 30 November 2019
  
• Instalment 3: 28 February 2020
  
• Instalment 4: 31 May 2020.
  

Please be aware that if paying by instalments, you must pay first instalment by 30 September 2019. If you pay after this date, the amount paid will be accepted as part payment, with the balance payable in full by 15 February 2020.

If you choose to pay 10 monthly payments (by direct debit only), payments will be deducted from your nominated account on the last day of the months of September through to May, with the final payment for June deducted two working days prior to 30 June 2020. If we are not able to debit your account due to insufficient funds, we will issue you an updated statement with 10 per cent interest added, notifying you that we will attempt to debit your account again. 

You can sign up to pay by direct debit by submitting a direct debit authorisation form. See below for more information.

How to pay

First, make sure you have your property assessment number with you as you’ll need this to pay. You can find this on your rates notice.

Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for a pensioner concession. Payments can be made online, or by mail, BPAY and BPAY View, direct debit, or phone. 

Online

You can pay your rates online by Visa or MasterCard.

Please note: fees for credit card payments apply. The credit card fee is 0.33 per cent of the rates total, GST exempt. This is to recover the cost of merchant fees charged by financial institutions for credit card transactions.

Overdue rates

When you pay your rates and charges, it is essential that we receive your payment by the due dates, as shown on your annual rates notice.

City of Melbourne charges interest on late payments,  in accordance with Section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989. Interest is charged at the penalty interest rate which is currently 10 per cent per annum, as fixed under Section 2 of the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.

Penalty interest on any arrears of rates and charges will continue to accrue. Interest will be calculated from the date when each quarterly instalment was due, irrespective of whether or not a ratepayer has chosen to pay by the instalment or lump sum option.