Rates notices are sent out by post or email. Separate rate notices are issued for the second, third and fourth instalments (if not already paid).
You can pay your rates in four instalments. The due dates are the same each year.
- 30 September
- 30 November
- 28 February
- 31 May
You can prepay all four instalments by 30 September or any other combination of instalments before their due dates. Payments can be made on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis between July and May, but each instalment must be paid in full by the legislated due date.
Accounts not paid by their due date may have interest penalty charges applied. Accounts that remain unpaid may be subject to final notices and debt collection.
If you are having difficulty paying your rates you can request a payment plan or apply for special consideration.
How to pay
Concessions
If you hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to claim a deduction on your rates.
You must hold one of the following cards:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veterans' Affairs Gold Card (given for TPI, War Widow, EDA or POW).
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing has more information about how to apply for the municipal rates concession.
Payment plans and financial hardship
If you are having difficulty paying your rates you can request a payment plan or apply for special consideration due to your individual circumstances.
Payment Plans
A payment plan is an agreed arrangement between you and Council. It allows you to make repayments that suit your budget to ensure your rates are paid. Depending on your circumstances and how you wish to pay, payments can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Please call us on 03 5036 2333 or email rates@swanhill.vic.gov.au to discuss your options.
Special consideration
While your rates are still due on the normal due dates, we understand that many people may be experiencing financial hardship. Council offers services to help eligible ratepayers if you find yourself in financial difficulty and don't believe you can meet your future rates payment.
All ratepayers can apply for special consideration due to their individual circumstances. Special consideration includes a range of options including an interest free period, partial or full deferral of unpaid rates. Applications for special consideration will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for special consideration
Or call us on 03 5036 2333 or email rates@swanhill.vic.gov.au to discuss your options.
Please refer to Council’s Financial Hardship Policy(PDF, 359KB) for further information.
Interest for overdue rates
Penalty interest may be charged on all late, overdue or non-payment of rates charges and levies until they are paid in full. Penalty interest is applied by Council in accordance with Section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989. Council's Debt Collection Agency may be engaged to recover outstanding amounts, including legal action, where required.