Rates
Due Dates for Rate Instalments
Under the NSW Local Government Act (1993) payment of rates must be paid in full or by instalments. Rates are calculated from 1 July to 30 June each year and broken down into four instalments:
- 1st instalment - 31 August
- 2nd instalment - 30 November
- 3rd instalment - 28 February
- 4th instalment - 31 May
You’ll receive your rate notice approximately four weeks before the due date. Interest is charged on any overdue amount.
Sign up for eNotices
To receive your rates notice electronically sign up for eNotices
Paying your rates
There are a number of ways you can pay your rates:
Online
You can pay your rates online using BPOINT. You will need to use the reference number on your rates notice (next to the BPAY logo). Quote, Ref:00xxxxxx. Your reference number should be eight digits .
Online Payments
In Person
Pay in person at the Civic Centre, 158 Russell Street, Bathurst, between 8.30am and 4.45pm weekdays. Rates can be paid in cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card. Council also has an after-hours mailbox near the main entrance to the Civic Centre for the delivery of after-hours mail.
Commonwealth Bank
Rate payments can also be made through any Commonwealth Bank Branch (you do not need to be a Commonwealth Bank customer).
Mail
Send your cheque/money order made payable to: Bathurst Regional Council PMB 17 BATHURST NSW 2795
BPAY
Contact your participating financial institution to make this payment from your cheque or savings account or from your credit card.
Direct Debit
Apply to set up a Direct Debit. Payment options can be in full, quarterly, monthly, fortnightly or weekly and commence from your nominated starting date. Rate notices are posted to you as information only. No charges apply to deductions unless payment is rejected. A Direct Debit Application Form needs to be completed and returned to Council to set up the payment option.
Please note that a surcharge of 0.42% is applicable on card payments. Refer to Merchant Fees for further information.
Exemption from Rates
If a property is a church, school, charitable institution, hospital or the like, a rate exemption may be able to be claimed. For further details please contact the Rates Section on 6333 6132.
Pension Rebates
A ratepayer who is an eligible pensioner may be entitled to a rebate for rates and charges. A pro-rata rebate-proportional to the number of quarterly periods remaining, may apply should he/she become a pensioner after the issue date of their rates notice. Those people eligible for a rebate must present their pensioner concession card to the Rates Section. For further details please contact the Rates Section on 6333 6132.
Pensioner Concession Application Form(PDF, 166KB)
Arrangements to Pay
Those Rate Payers who are suffering financial difficulties or are unable to pay their rate instalment in full should contact Council's Rates Section on 6333 6132, to make alternate payment arrangements.
Hardship Rate Relief Policy(PDF, 102KB)
How are rates calculated?
Rates are calculated on land values supplied by the Valuer General of NSW. These land values are used to calculate the annual rates for each property. New valuations are issued by the Valuer General of NSW every three years which Council uses for the following financial year.
Fact Sheet - Your Land Value(PDF, 91KB)
Valuer General Newsletter(PDF, 96KB)
Water Meter Reading
Council carries out meter readings quarterly to calculate Water charges if applicable. The resulting water charges are shown on the next rate instalment notice. Special Meter readings can also be arranged for property sales to show the amount of water used on a pro-rata basis.
Section 603 Certificates
Section 603 Certificates provide confirmation of property and ownership details, including all outstanding rates and charges. If you are thinking about purchasing a property it is advisable to obtain a Section 603 Certificate. S603 Certificates may be purchased at the cost of $95 from 1 July 2023. Use the link below to apply online.
Section 603 Certificate / Water Meter Certificates Application
Change of Address
Let us know your new postal address by emailing council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au, by writing to Bathurst Regional Council PMB 17 BATHURST 2795 or completing our
Change of Address Form