Pay your rates

You can pay your rates either in one annual payment or in four quarterly payments. Your payment options include the following:

Direct debit

You can pay using a direct debit arrangement, or you can schedule payments through your financial institution. Find out how to set up a direct debit for rates, land tax and land rent.

Online payments

Make your payment online by Visa or Mastercard through Online payments - Access Canberra (external site).

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

EFT payment can be made from your cheque or savings account, Visa, internet or phone banking, using the details on your assessment notice.

BPay

Payment can be made via internet or phone banking using the details on your assessment notice.

Post office

Payment can be made by cash, credit card, cheque or EFTPOS using the details on your assessment notice.

What if you can’t pay?

If you are finding it difficult to pay your rates, contact us and we can help you make alternative payment arrangements.

Pensioner Rates Rebate

The pensioner rates rebate is available to home owners in the ACT who receive a pension from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with entitlement to a Pensioner Concession Card, or a Veteran Gold Card. This provides a 50 percent rebate on your rates, up to a cap of $750.

Deferral

If you are not a pensioner but are suffering significant financial hardship, you may also be able to defer payment of all or part of your rates bill.

We charge a relatively low rate of interest on deferred amounts.

If you are 65 or over and you own at least 75 per cent equity in your home, you can indefinitely defer your rates charges until such time as your property is sold.

For more information about Pensioner Rates Rebate and rates deferral, please visit the Rates assistance page. There might also be other assistance programs you are eligible for. Find out at https://www.act.gov.au/money-and-tax/cost-of-living-support

What happens if you don’t pay?

If we do not receive your rates payments by the due date, you will have to pay interest charges, which compound on a monthly basis on any amount that remains unpaid, on the 16th day of each month.

If you pay overdue rates partway through the month, you still have to pay interest for the whole month.

As of 1 August 2021, unpaid overdue rates on land owned by a corporation or trust (other than a special disability trust) may be subject to penalty tax.

For information on interest rates and penalty tax please click here.