Rates

Each year, rates are assessed on the basis of the land value multiplied by the rate in the dollar set by Council for the year.

Rating Categorisation

Rates are determined based on the categorisation of the land. All properties within the Hawkesbury Local Government area fall into one of three rating categories:

Residential
Business
Farmland

For 2011/2012, the rates in the dollar applicable to the residential and business categories are the same. Properties categorised as farmland attract a lower rate in the dollar.

Properties that conduct a business of Farming may be entitled to a reduction in rates if it meets the guidelines of the Local Government Act 1993. Please complete the Categorisation of land as farmland - Application and forward it to Council for consideration.

If successful, the reduction in rates is applicable from the quarter following the date of receipt of the application.

Increase in Rates and Charges

In setting the rate in the dollar, Council must comply with the rate pegging limit set by the NSW Minister for Local Government. Rate pegging limits the rate income that Council can raise between consecutive years.

The annual charges for domestic waste, sewer services and sullage services are determined on a cost recovery basis.

Pensioner Concessions

Rebates on Council rates and charges are available to eligible pensioners. Please contact the rates department on 02 4560 4605 for information on how to receive any rebates that may apply to your rate assessment.

Change of Postal Address

If your current postal address is different from the address shown on the front of your rate notice, please complete a Change of Mailing Address and return it to Council:

Fax: 0245877740
Post: PO Box 146, Windsor NSW 2756
Email: council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Payments

Council offers ratepayers a number of payment options for the payment of rates and charges. The following table details the available methods.

If you wish to make a Rates payment:

	Mail: Send your cheque made payable to Hawkesbury City Council along with the deposit slip on the bottom of your rate notice to: PO Box 146, Windsor NSW 2756
	In Person: Present your rate notice to the cashier at the Council Offices to make payment by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card (Accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard). Present this notice at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank for payment by cash or cheque. Present this notice at any Australia Post agency for payment by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card(does not include American Express).
	Credit Card: (Accepted cards are Visa and Mastercard). Credit card payments can also be made via BPAY or POSTbillpay
	BPAY: Contact your participating financial institution either by Internet or telephone to make this payment directly from your savings, cheque or credit card account. You will need to quote the biller code and reference number shown on the front of your rate notice notice. (BPAY does not accept American Express).
	POSTbillpay: Pay your account with POSTbillpay either by phone, internet or in person. You will need to quote the billpay code and reference number shown on the front of your rate notice notice. By Internet: POSTbillpay payment site www.postbillpay.com.au By Phone: Call 13 18 16, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for payment by credit card, or once registered, from your cheque or savings account. In Person: Present this notice at any Australia Post agency. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card. (Australia Post does not accept American Express).
D/D	Direct Debit: Have your rates debited from your financial institution. Complete the Direct Debit request form and return it to Council.

Overdue Payments

If an instalment payment is not paid in full by the due date, interest will be charged on the amount owing. For 2011/2012, the interest charge is 11% per annum, calculated daily. If your account is overdue, there is also the risk that recovery action may be instigated. This action would result in additional costs applying to your rate account.

Payment Flexibility

If you are experiencing difficulty in making your payments by the due date, please contact our Recovery Officer on 02 4560 4610, to discuss the option of an alternative payment arrangement.