RATES

When will the 2022/2023 annual rate notices be issued and what is the due dates for payment?

The City will issue the 2022/23 annual rate notices from 21 July 2022. Please check you email inbox, spam or junk folder if you signed up for eRates or BPay View, alternatively look out for the rate notice in you mail box.

The City offers the below payment options with due dates:

What is Gross Rental Valuation (GRV) set by Landgate

The Valuer General Office (VGO) values land in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation of Land Act 1978. The GRV is the yearly income the property would be expected to generate if rented. The rental value for a house is influence by factors like age, construction, size, car shelters and pools. By analysing property rents against these individual attributes and characteristics it is possible to assess a valuation for all properties, whether they are rented or not.

How often are valuations conducted and when was the last valuation done?

The values provided by the Valuer General are reviewed every three years to complete what is known as a General Valuation. Rating valuations are assessed at a ‘snapshot in time’ reflecting the property market for the metropolitan area on precisely the same date known of Date of Valuation, ensuring consistency and fairness in the allocation of rates.

The General Valuation is effective 01/07/2020.

To help you further understand GRV watch the video below. 

How are rates calculated?

The rates paid on residential property are calculated based on the operating requirements of the Local Government. The rates you pay are a proportionate share of what is needed by the Local Government to provide local services and facilities.

That is, if your home has greater potential rental return than your neighbours, you will pay a higher share of the total rates budgeted by Council.

How are rates applied?

The Local Government applies a rate in the dollar that is multiplied by the valuation to obtain the rate amount for each property.

Please note that a Gross Rental Valuation (GRV) is applied generally in town sites and suburbs and an Unimproved Valuation (UV) is applied in rural areas.

What can make my rates go up?

Rates can also increase if your property increases in potential rental value faster than others in your area. For example, if you make improvements to your home that increase its rental value then your share of rates will increase. It can also by simply that the previous valuation was incorrect or out of date and was now corrected. However, changes to property values that affect the whole market – such as times of boom and recession – do not directly affect rates as the comparative value between neighbouring properties remains the same.

Your rates can increase if the Local Government requires more funds to provide local services and facilities. For example, increases to wages and materials costs or if it builds new facilities or adds new services. Local Governments budgets and consequently funds required through rates are also affected by changes to charges by other sectors of Government such as electricity pricing.

Why don't rates go down when there is a drop in the property market?

This is because your rates are not directly linked to movements in the property market – only the value of your property in comparison with your neighbours. If rates were directly linked to the property market, then rates would be far greater than currently. Using each Local Government’s budget as the starting point for setting the amount of rates required, protects ratepayers from increases that are not directly aligned with the provision of services.

How is the rate in the dollar determined?

As part of the yearly budget process, the City determines the Rate in the Dollar by dividing the total amount of money to be raised in general rates by the total value of all rateable properties per category.

The resulting figure is the Rate in the Dollar per category. 

What are minimum rates?

Minimum rates are imposed when the amount calculated by the rates formula is less than the amount any property must pay to contribute to the cost of services provided by the City, regardless of the value (GRV) of their property. 

In 2022/2023 the City of Vincent applies a minimum rate of $1,631.65 to Vacant-Commercial Land, $1,335.32 to residential and $1,180.00 to vacant-residential land and a minimum rate of $1,288.73 to Commercial/Industrial Land.

Vacant Commercial properties with a Gross Rental Valuation of less than or equal to $11,831.27 will be charged a minimum rate of $1,631.65. Commercial/ Industrial properties with a Gross Rental Valuation of less than or equal to $17,827.22 will be charged a minimum rate of $1,288.73.

Residential properties with a Gross Rental Valuation of less than or equal to $15,565 will be charged a minimum rate of $1,335.32. Vacant-Residential properties with a Gross Rental Valuation of less than or equal to $14,406.06 will be charged a minimum rate of $1,180.00.

Who pays local government rates?

The City of Vincent levies rates each year to fund Council services such as maintenance of parks, library services, roads, health, sanitation, building control and operation of recreational facilities.

Annual Rates Notices are issued by the City of Vincent early in the financial year and are due 35 days from the date of issue.

Anyone owning residential or commercial property in the City of Vincent is a ratepayer of the City and is required to pay rates.

Some government bodies, educational and registered charitable organisations are exempt from paying Council rates.

How do City of Vincent rates compare to other metropolitan councils?

The City of Vincent has historically low residential rates when compared to other metropolitan Councils in WA.

Last year, with the waste collection charge factored in, the City of Vincent had the:

• 9th lowest minimum rate in the metropolitan area; and
• 6th lowest combined rates/waste charge with a GRV of $17,160.

What is financial hardship?

You will be considered to be in financial hardship if paying your rates and service charges will affect your ability to meet your basic living needs. That is, you have the intention, but not the capacity to pay.

Financial hardship may be caused by:

• The loss of your (or a family member’s) primary income
• Separation or divorce from your spouse
• Loss of a spouse or loved-one
• Domestic or family violence
• Physical or mental health problems
• A chronic medical condition
• Budget management difficulties arising from a low income
• Other unforeseen factors affecting your capacity to pay, such as a reduction in income or an increase in non-discretionary spending.

Are you experiencing temporary financial hardship?

City of Vincent ratepayers experiencing payment difficulties due to a sudden and/or temporary change in circumstances that adversely affect their finances. 

You may have the capacity to pay, but need immediate flexibility. 

We can assist by offering:

• An immediate extension of time to pay, of up to 6 months; and/or
• A customised payment plan.

How do I apply for financial hardship support?

To apply, complete the Financial Hardship Application form ensuring all fields are completed and signed before returning form to rates@vincent.wa.gov.au.

Financial Hardship Application

How does the City determine ratepayers in financial hardship? 

If you think you may be experiencing financial hardship we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. If you have been assessed by a financial counsellor they can contact us on your behalf.

The following indicators are considered by the City of Vincent when determining whether a ratepayer is experiencing financial hardship:

• Recently unemployment or under-employed (ie having hours significantly reduced);
• Significant life events such as serious illness, a relationship breakdown, or death in the family;
• Unanticipated circumstances such as caring for and supporting extended family;
• Significantly lower income or loss of income;
• Total income after tax (take home pay) and other financial commitments;
• The total number of children or dependents involved;
• Eligibility for Government funded concessions;
• Advice has been received from an independent financial counsellor;
• Domestic or family violence.

Although the above list displays indicators of possible hardship, each situation is treated with sensitivity and understanding according to the individual circumstance.

Ratepayers are to provide all relevant information and documentation that can assist the City to assess the hardship relief request.

Financial hardship payment plans

If you need flexibility with paying your rates, contact us on 08 9273 6000.

The City offers financial hardship payment plans for Residents, Landlords and Commercial Property Owners.

Waiver of debt, interest and additional charges

If the City determines that you are in financial hardship, your payment plan will include the following concessions:

• The payment plan will not attract penalty interest or additional charges; and
• Debt recovery will cease while the payment plan is in place.

What is the debt recovery process?

We will suspend our debt recovery processes:

• While we are assessing if you are experiencing financial hardship or payment difficulties;
• If you are complying with the payment plan agreed with the City.

If you are unable to make payments in accordance with the agreed payment plan, it is important that you contact us to renegotiate the plan.

If you have failed to make the agreed payments on at least two occasions, we will make reasonable attempts to contact you and discuss your payment situation, before commencing debt recovery.

If you are contacted about your outstanding rates or service charges, we will advise you of the Recovery of Debt and Service Charge Policy and the process for making a Financial Hardship Application.

The City reserves the right to commence debt recovery, including registering a charge on your property for any outstanding arrears balance, if you do not meet your payment obligations.

What if I require further financial assistance?

Some ratepayers may be experiencing a degree of financial crisis that requires financial support beyond the scope of these guidelines.

The City will assist you to connect with financial support services provided by Federal and State Government agencies. 

We encourage you to seek the advice of an independent financial counsellor who can assist you to create a financial plan to suit your circumstances.  Financial counsellors provide free, confidential and independent information to help you take control of your financial situation.  You can find a financial counsellor by visiting www.financialcounsellor.org or emailing admin@fcawa.org.

If you are unable to visit a face-to-face financial counsellor in person, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

The City also has a strong relationship with local charitable organisations who can provide you with immediate financial assistance.

Rates Notice Explained

	Your property assessment number The Assessment Number is a unique number that identifies a rateable property. It can be used to pay rates on the City’s website or register for e-rates.		Emergency Services Levy The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a State Government charge applicable to all properties in WA, that is collected by the City on behalf of the Fire and Emergency Services Department.
	Customer Reference Number The Customer Reference Number (CRN) is a unique number allocated to the assessment and required when making payment.		Pool Inspection Fee The inspection fee is incurred by all properties that have a swimming pool, pond or spa. The fee is levied in accordance with the City’s fees and charges as stipulated by the Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012.
	Gross Rental Valuation (GRV) The Gross Rental Valuation (GRV) is a value determined by the Valuer General’s Office and is used in the calculation of Rates and ESL		Extra charges will be displayed here.
	How are your rates calculated The rates component is calculated by multiplying the rate in the dollar to the Gross Rental Value (GRV) as determined by the Valuer General's Office.		Your total rates, fees and charges Total payable is an aggregation of all the individual levies.
	Rate The rate in the dollar and fees and charges adopted by Council.		Payment options The City of Vincent offers ratepayer three payment options, pay in full, pay by instalments or pay by rates smoothing.

What is my customer reference number?

The Customer Reference Number is a unique number allocated to the assessment and required for when you make a payment. Do not enter any spaces between the numbers.

What is my property assessment number?

The Assessment Number is a unique number allocated to the property and required for when you contact the City of Vincent’s Rates Department.

What is the emergency services levy?

The Emergency Services levy is a State Government charge applicable to all properties in WA, which is invoiced and collected by local governments on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). The levy provides fire and emergency services including fire stations, volunteer fire brigades, SES units and more. The amount to be collected, and the applicable rates and charging parameters, are declared annually by the Minister of Emergency Services.

For more information, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or call on free-call 1300 136 099. Late payment interest will accrue daily at a rate of 7% per annum.

Why am I charge additional bins on my rates notice?

The Standard Waste Services provided by the City, applicable to residential properties are included in the rateable charge. Any additional waste services (additional bins) that you receive are individually listed in the details and levy of the rate notice.

Contact the Waste Department on (08) 9273 6000 to discuss waste related queries.

Why am I charged pool inspection fees on my rates notice?

State Government legislation requires the City to inspect the safety barriers of all private swimming pools and spas so that a period of not more than four years lapses between inspections. The fee charged yearly to the property owners is to cover this requirement.

Contact the Building Department on (08) 9273 6000 to discuss pool inspection related queries.

Why did I receive an interim rates notice?

Some ratepayers may receive amended rate notices during the year called Interim Rates Notices. These notices are required to be issued if the Valuer General's Office considers that the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of a ratepayers' property has changed.

Any alteration to the property could cause the GRV of your property to be re-assessed by the Valuer General's Office. Typical events which could trigger a revaluation and the need to issue an Interim Rates Notice include:

• Creation of a new property
  (If a lot is created from a subdivision, amalgamation or strata title)
• Improvements or additions to the property
  (Installation of a swimming pool, construction of a garage or carport or the addition of a bedroom)
• Demolition of a property
  (This is usually the first step in the redevelopment of a site and only the first in a series of interim rate adjustments)
• Removal of a swimming pool
• When a new or amended valuation is supplied by the Valuer General's Office, a reason for the amendment and effective date of the valuation is also provided. This information will be shown on your Interim Rates Notice.
• Where an objection to the Valuer General has been made, the full amount of rates is still due and payable 35 days from date of issue of the rate notice. Any decision resulting from the objection or subsequent Land Tribunal hearing will be retrospectively adjusted.

Why have I been charged penalty interest?

To ensure that the many ratepayers who pay their rates accounts to the City by the due dates are not disadvantaged, the City of Vincent has resolved that it will charge interest on rates balances which remain unpaid after the due date.

Section 6.51 of the Local Government Act and the Local Government Financial Management Regulations provide for interest to be charged on 'Overdue Amounts' which are defined as rates which remain outstanding beyond the due date specified on the Annual Rates Notice.

The maximum interest rate which can be charged on outstanding rates amounts is determined by the Local Government Financial Management Regulations. Currently, this amount is set at 7% per annum calculated daily on amounts that are not paid within 35 days of the issue date of the notice.

What if I disagree with my rates?

Objection and Appeal Provisions

(Your Valuation Entity Number (VEN) is located on the rate notice)

Valuations 

Your valuation (GRV or UV) is only one factor used to calculate your rates notice. The Valuation of Land Act 1978 (as amended) Part IV sets out how valuation objections may be lodged. A property owner may lodge an objection against the valuation of a property within 60 days of the date of issue of a rates notice. For information on how your values are calculated, please visit Landgate’s website www.landgate.wa.gov.au/valuations, for more information on how to lodge an online objection click here or alternatively call Landgate Customer Service on +61 (0)8 9273 7373.

Rates Record 

Section 6.76 of the Local Government Act 1995 provides the grounds, time and the way individual objections and appeals to the Rates Record may be lodged. An objection to the Rate Book must be made in writing to the council within 42 days of the date of issue of a rates notice.

Section 6.81 of the Local Government Act 1995 refers that rates assessments are required to be paid by the due date, irrespective of whether an objection or appeal has been lodged. In the event of a successful objection or appeal, the rates will be adjusted, and you will be advised accordingly. Credit balances may be refunded on request.

Do I have to pay my rates all at once?

The City understand that sometimes people experience financial hardship which makes it difficult to meet all of their financial commitments when they are due.

Please contact a Council Rates Department on (08) 9273 6000 to arrange a suitable payment arrangement to settle the rates debt by the end of the financial year. 

I am under financial hardship is there any assistance the City can provide?

The City will be supportive to ratepayers who are having difficulty paying their rates.

If you have rates outstanding or are experiencing financial hardship please contact the City’s rates team on (08) 9273 6000 or email mail@vincent.wa.gov.au at the earliest opportunity to discuss alternative arrangements.

What payment options does the City provide? (includes rate smoothing)

The City offers the following payment options:

Special Payment Arrangement

If you’re unable to pay your rates in full, in four instalments or by Rates Smoothing and you like to discuss the option of arranging an individualised payment plan, please contact the City’s Rates department on (08) 9273 6000.

Can I apply for a rates exemption?

As per section 6.26 of the Local Government Act 1995, eligible organisations can apply for a rates exemption on their Council rates.

The Rates Exemption Form should be completed by organisations that are seeking for a rates exemption. For a quick turnaround of your application we urge that the form be completed correctly, and you provide all the required supporting documentation.

Email to:  mail@vincent.wa.gov.au or;

Post to: City of Vincent PO Box 82 LEEDERVILLE WA 6902

For more information please contact the Rates team on 08 9273 6000.

Rates Exemption Form 

Statutory Declaration Form

Rates Exemption Appendix A

How do I pay rates?

The City understands that everyone has different circumstances and therefore the City offers several different payment methods.

Pay Rates

	Pay your rates online (credit cards - MasterCard & Visa only)
	BPAY - Payment via BPay using your savings, cheque or credit account BPAY View – Register for Bpay View to receive, pay and store your bills electronically in your online banking. Find out more at www.bpay.com.au/bpayview
	Pay over the phone using credit cards (MasterCard & Visa) 1300 276 468
	In person at Australia Post Online at www.postbillpay.com.au Pay over the phone 13 18 16
	Mail to: City of Vincent, PO Box 82, Leederville WA 6902
	In person at 244 Vincent Street, Leederville (Cashier hours 8:30am to 4:30pm Office hours Monday to Friday) Payment by Cash, Cheque, Money Order, EFTPOS (No Cash Out), MasterCard, Visa Card & Bankcard (no American Express or Diners Club).
Direct Debit	Sign up for Direct Debit by completing a Direct Debit Request and Service Agreement (DDRSA) form.

How do I sign up for direct debit?

To make it easier to pay your rates, you can also now pay by direct debit which will allow you to make automatic, periodic deductions from your bank account.

Please carefully read the Terms and Conditions before signing the Agreement.

To set up a direct debit you will need to complete a Direct Debit Request and Service Agreement (DDRSA) form, sign and return by 12/08/2022 in time for payments to begin on 26/08/2022.

Alternatively you can request a form from the Rates Department on (08) 9273 6000 or email rates@vincent.wa.gov.au

For more information contact the Rates Department on (08) 9273 6000 or email rates@vincent.wa.gov.au

Direct Debit Request and Service Agreement (DDRSA) form

Do pensioners and seniors get a discount?

Pensioners and seniors with a valid concession cards are entitled to rates reductions depending on their status on Council rates and Emergency Services Levy.

You can only claim a concession or deferment (where eligible) on one (1) property in any one rating year. This applies to the property owned and occupied as at 1 July.

Where arrears of your Annual Rates or Emergency Services Levy exist, a concession may be available where you enter into, and satisfy, a payment arrangement to clear the arrears.

Am I eligible for a concession?

To receive a concession, you must:

• hold one or more of the appropriate Pensioner or Seniors Cards as detailed below;
• be the owner or co-owner of the property or have a right to reside at the property under the terms of a Probated Will as at 1 July; and
• occupy the property as your 'ordinary place of residence'.

Where the property is subject to co-ownership, a partial concession may apply. Pensioners in receipt of a partial concession are not entitled to defer their annual rates.

Where a 'right to reside' at the property under the terms of a Probated Will exists, you will need to provide a copy of the appropriate documents when registering.

The concessions applying to each type of eligible card are detailed below:

What type of concessions are available?

You have the choice of either a REBATE on, or the DEFERMENT of your Local Government Rates and Fire and Emergency Services Levy.

To obtain a Rebate on your Rates and Emergency Services Levy you will need to pay the amount indicated on your notice by 30 June of the current financial year. Click below for information on how to apply for a concession card. (Refer to FAQ - How do I apply for a concession card).

Your Rates and Emergency Services Levy will automatically be deferred, where you are eligible, if the amount required to be paid to receive a rebate is not paid by 30 June of the current financial year.

The deferment option is not available where the property:

• is occupied under a life tenancy or right of residency under the terms of a Probated Will of a deceased estate or
• subject to co-ownership other than with a spouse/de facto partner) or
• you have eligibility for a Senior Concession only.

Please note, if the deferment option is not available, you must pay the amount indicated on your Rates Notice before 30 June of the current financial year to receive the rebate.

Where can I get more information about concession cards?

WA Seniors Card

Department of Local Government and Communities (WA Government)

• Phone: (08)6551 8800 Country: 1800 671 233
• 8:30am to 4pm weekdays (except public holidays)

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card OR Pensioners Concession Card 

Centrelink (Commonwealth Government)

• Phone: 13 23 00

Commonwealth Department of Veteran Affairs

• Phone: 9366 8222 or
• Country 1800 113 304

State Concession Card

Family and Children's Services (WA Government)

• Phone: 9222 2555 or
• Country: 1800 622 258

How do I apply for a concession card?

To apply for a concession, phone the Water Corporation Rebate Application Line on 1300 659 951 to submit a rebate application form over the telephone.

Alternatively, you can submit a completed application form (available at the City of Vincent Customer Service Centre), together with a photocopy of both sides of your concession card (s) to either:

Water Corporation or

City of Vincent.

To receive a Rates and Fire and Emergency Services Levy concession, you must register with either the Water Corporation or your Local Government. Your one application will be registered at both organisations.

Your applications for registration will be effective from the day that either the Water Corporation or your Local Government first receives a completed registration form.

How do I defer my rates?

For those ratepayers who have a Pensioner Card, State Concession Card or Seniors Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card registered on their property, the deferment option may apply. 

Deferment of the payment of Council rates means that the pensioner does not have to pay their Council rates each year (Deferment only applies to annual Rates and Emergency Service Levy only, all other charges must be paid in full). When the balance payable as shown on the Council rates notice is not paid by the 30th June of the financial year, the pensioner rebate will be reversed, and the full amount of Council rates will be transferred to a deferred account for those eligible pensioners. This deferred amount sits in a separate account and does not accrue interest and will remain as a debt against the property. Deferred rates become payable in full when the property sells, or the pensioner passes away or ceases to reside in the property as their 'ordinary place of residence'. 

The deferred rates balance:

• remains as a debt on the property until paid;
• becomes payable in full upon the passing of the pensioner or if the property is sold or if the pensioner ceases to reside in the property.
• may be paid at any time, BUT you do not receive any concession when they are paid (you forfeit any concession you may have been entitled to within the financial year)
• does not incur penalty interest charges. 

Please note that  life tenants, pensioners in receipt of a proportionate rebate (where they are not receiving the full 50% rebate) and Senior Card holders are NOT entitled to defer their rates and must pay the balance on their account in full by the 30th June of the financial year to claim their rebate. Should they fail to pay their portion of the Council rates by the 30th June of the financial year the rebate is forfeited, then full amount of Council rates will become arrears on the property. These arrears are payable in full immediately irrespective of whether a rebate is registered on the property and may be subject to debt recovery if they remain unpaid. 

Any rebate not claimed by the 30th June of the financial year is forfeited and cannot be claimed at a later date. To claim your rebate, you MUST pay your portion of the Council rates by the 30th June of the financial year.

What if my circumstances change?

You must immediately advise both the Water Corporation and your Local Government if your circumstances change at any time. For example, notification is required if:

• you are issued with a new card or your card is cancelled or expires;
• your original application details will or have changed;
• you sell or transfer an interest in all, or part, of your property or move to another address;
• as a senior (card issued by the Department of Local Government & Communities) you become an eligible pensioner or the holder of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; or
• you or your spouse ceases occupation of the property.

How do I sign up to go green - go paperless?

Go green, go paperless and register for BPAY View or e-Rates.

By choosing to go paperless you will receive rates, final and instalment reminder notices electronically. You will be assisting the environment by reducing the impact on trees, plastic, water, greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste which is all part of paper, envelope, printer cartridge and stamp production. All other correspondence will continue to be posted to the postal address we have on file for your property.

The City offers two electronic mailing options BPAY View and e-Rates.

How can I change my mailing address?

It is essential that the City has the correct mailing address recorded to ensure rate notices are forwarded to the correct address which will avoid incurring any unwanted penalties on overdue rates.

We require all change of address requests to be completed in writing to protect you against unauthorised changes to your details in City's records. You can submit the electronic change of address form below or you can email the City of Vincent at mail@vincent.wa.gov.au or you can submit your change of address details in writing to the City of Vincent, PO Box 82, Leederville WA 6902.

Change of address form