Rates Payments and Concessions
Alternative Payment Arrangements
People experiencing difficulties in paying their Council rates should contact Council as we may agree to a more flexible payment arrangement. Such enquiries are treated confidentially. Under the legislation that governs Council, fines and interest must be imposed when the quarterly amounts are not paid in full by the due date, however, by paying small amounts on a regular basis the amount outstanding gradually reduces thereby leaving a smaller amount payable by the due date. This will help to minimise or eliminate any fines or interest.
Late Payments
Rates will be overdue if they have not been paid on or before the "Last Day to Pay' shown on the front of each rate notice. A fine of 2% will then be applied to the amount due. Every month thereafter interest will be charged on the total amount in arrears. The Council issues an overdue notice of rates when rates are unpaid by the due date. Should rates still remain unpaid after the issue of the overdue account then the Council refers the debt to a debt collection agency. The debt collection agency charges collection fees that are recoverable from the ratepayer.
State Concessions
To check your eligibility for State Government concessions, go to www.sa.gov.au/concessions or contact the Concessions SA Hotline on 1800 307 758.
Postponement of Rates
The Local Government Act provides the option for State Seniors Card holders to apply to postpone, on a long-term basis, part of their Council rates. The deferred amount is subject to a monthly interest charge, with the accrued debt being payable on the disposal or sale of the property. However, the debt may be paid at any earlier time at the ratepayer's discretion. A ratepayer who holds, or is in the process of applying for a State Seniors Card may apply for postponement of a portion of the Council rates payable on property they own or are buying. This applies if it is their principal place of residence. It is also a requirement that no other person other than their spouse has an interest as owner of the property.
Please telephone the Rates Department on (08) 8366 9206 to discuss your application and lodge your application form. This will provide an opportunity for you to obtain more information about the Postponement of Rates Scheme and the conditions that will apply, and for any questions or concerns you might have to be discussed.
For more information, download the fact sheet or download the Postponement of Rates for Seniors Application Form.