Rates billing and payment

Staggered billing

To ease pressure on payment centres and avoid the need for taxpayers to wait in queues for long periods to pay rates and land tax accounts, the ACT has been divided into three sectors for billing purposes.  Assessments have different issue and due dates, depending on the suburb in which a property is located.  The due dates for payment of your rates and land tax are specified on your assessment notice.

Payment of rates

The same staggered billing arrangements which apply to rates also apply to land tax.  Annual rates assessments are sent out with the same due dates for payment as quarterly land tax assessments for a property.  The amount of rates payable and payment details are specified on the annual rates assessment notice.  Property owners have the option of paying their rates and Fire and Emergency Services Levy assessment in full by the first due date and receive a 3% discount, or by four quarterly instalments throughout the year.

• Online payments - Canberra Connect (external site)
• Where and how to pay 

What if I cannot pay?

If you are experiencing difficulties in meeting your rates payments, please contact us immediately to arrange alternative payment arrangements.

What if I do not pay?

If payment of rates is not received by the due date you will be liable for interest, charged and compounding on a monthly basis, on any amount that remains unpaid.  Compounding interest charges, that may be subject to change during the year, are calculated and imposed on unpaid amounts on the 16th day of each month.  

Previous page General information..........Next page Rates assistance