Due Dates for Rates Instalments
Rates are levied each year for the period of 1 July to 30 June. You will receive an annual rates notice and then instalment notices four times a year, unless you pay for the year by the first due date – 31 August.
Rates are paid in 4 instalments as required by s167(1) & (2) of the Local Government Act 1989. Instalment amounts and their due dates for payment are listed on the front page of your rates notice.
You will receive a reminder before each instalment is due.
If your instalments are not paid on time, you may be charged interest.
| Instalment | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1st Instalment | 31 August |
| 2nd Instalment | 30 November |
| 3rd Instalment | 28 February |
| 4th Instalment | 31 May |
Rates FAQs
How are my rates calculated?
Approximately half of our total income comes from rates and charges. We use this money to help fund a whole range of facilities and services in our city, from parks and sports fields to roads, libraries, health and safety, community events and youth services.
The total amount of rate money we collect each year is worked out based on State Government directions. How much you pay as an individual depends on the type of land you own.
In Shellharbour City there are three land categories: farmland, residential and business. Your rate category is shown on the front of your rate notice. If you don’t agree with your category you can apply to have it changed by contacting our rates department on (02) 4221 6111 or by emailing council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au.
All rates are calculated using land value. The land value is determined by the NSW Valuer General(Opens in a new window), not by Council.
A revaluation occurs at least once every three years. The latest revaluation was completed in 2019 and has been used in the calculation of your 2021/22 rates.
If your land has more than one use, for example if you have a shop with a flat upstairs, your rate is worked out using a formula that takes both uses into account. Once your land value is worked out, it’s multiplied by a figure known as the “rate in the dollar”. If your land is residential, we also use what’s called a “base amount”.
The rate in the dollar is calculated by dividing 55% of the total amount collected through residential rates by the total land value of all residential properties in the city. Your share of this is based upon the valuation of your property.
As well as the rate in the dollar amount, the remaining 45% of our residential rate income comes from a base amount. This charge is the same for all residential properties.
What about heritage listed properties?
Properties that are formally heritage listed may be eligible for a reduction in rates. If you believe the land that you own should be Heritage Listed, you need to apply for Heritage Land Valuation through the Valuer General's Office.
Will rates change?
Every year the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal(Opens in a new window) determine how much each Council can increase its total rate income. For 2021-22 Shellharbour City Council has increased the rates by the maximum rate peg of 2.0%.
What are the interest charges?
By law, you will be charged interest if your rate instalment is not paid by the due date shown. The rate of interest is 6% per annum.
How is land value calculated?
The NSW Valuer General is responsible for determining land valuations and provides these valuations for councils to use when assessing rates. Council cannot amend these land valuations and must rely on the valuations supplied by the Valuer General.