Understanding your rates

 

We’ve put together some information to help you understand your rates.

This example has been prepared as a guide only. The information and figures may not be a true reflection of a current rates notice. 

1. Rating period 

The period relating to this notice, effective from 1 July to 30 June each year. 

2. Property number 

This is the number we use to identify your property in Council’s systems. Please have this handy when making enquiries about your rates notice. 

3. Date of issue 

This is the date that the notice was printed and issued. 

4. Instalment amounts and due dates 

Rates and charges are payable in four instalments each year. If you have arranged to pay in nine instalments or have another payment arrangement in place, this will be reflected here. 

5. Property details 

This section includes details from your property’s title: 

  • Street address 

  • Lot and plan numbers 

  • Volume and folio numbers 

  • Property owner details 

6. Property valuation details 

This section includes details about your property’s value. 

  • Site Value (SV): The value of the land only, as if the land was vacant with no buildings or other improvements. This is used by the State Revenue Office to calculate Land Tax. 

  • Capital Improved Value (CIV): The total market value of the property including land, buildings and other improvements. We use this to calculate your general rates. 

  • Net Annual Value (NAV): For residential properties this is 5% of the CIV, and for non-residential properties it is the greater of the annual rental value or 5% of the CIV. Some councils use this figure instead of the CIV to calculate rates. 

These valuations can also be used by other rating authorities. For example, water authorities use them to calculate certain charges. 

This section also includes: 

  • Level of Value Date: The date the property was assessed and valued. 

  • Date Adopted for Rating Purposes: The date the valuation was used to calculate the rates 

  • AVPCC: The Australian Valuation Property Classification Code assigned to your property according to the use of the land. 

7. Details of your rates, charges and rebates 

The section lists the different rates and charges that make up your rates bill, along with any rebates you may receive. 

  • General rate: The rate in the dollar multiplied by your property’s CIV. The rate in the dollar is the total cost to Council of providing services and infrastructure, divided by the total combined value of all properties in Hume. 

  • Kerbside Waste Charge and Public Waste Charge: These charges pay for waste services such as bin collections, Resource Recovery Centres and keeping the city clean. 

  • Pension rebates: Any Council or State Government pension rebates you receive on your rates. If you believe you are eligible but the rebates are not listed on your notice, you may need to apply. 

  • Fire Services Levy: State Government charges collected by Council. This levy is made up of a fixed charge and a variable charge which is calculated on the CIV. 

  • Optional bin services and discounts: Charges for any additional or larger kerbside bins at your property, or discount for using a smaller garbage bin. 

  • Arrears and interest: Any overdue amounts or interest you owe on your previous rates notice. 

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