Pay your rates

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

Online

Step 1.Have your rates notice with you

Find the Ref Number in the BPAY section on the bottom of the first page of your rates notice.

Step 2.Have your credit card ready

Please note we only accept Visa or MasterCard.

Step 3.Pay online

If you hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to claim a deduction on your rates.

Pay your rates online

Other ways you can pay online

BPAY: For online banking users, pay your rates using the BPAY Biller Code and Reference Number. Visit www.bpay.com.au for details.

In person

Step 1.Bring your rates notice with you

Customer service

45 Splatt Street
Swan Hill
VIC 3585

72 Herbert Street
Robinvale
VIC 3549

View our opening hours

Step 2.Pay

Pay with cash, cheque, money order, EFTPOS, Mastercard or Visa.

If you hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to claim a deduction on your rates.

Other ways to pay in person

Australia Post: Present your rates notice intact in-store at Australia Post. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or EFTPOS.

Phone

Pay by phone using Australia Post Billpay

Step 1.Call

13 18 16

Step 2.Follow the prompts

Follow the prompts to enter your 4-digit Billpay code and reference number (shown on your bill) via your keypad. Then, enter your payment details and amount you’d like to pay.

Step 3.Pay

If you hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to claim a deduction on your rates.

Pay with credit or debit card.

Visit Post Billpay for more information.

Mail

Step 1.Prepare a cheque or money order

Payable to 'Swan Hill Rural City Council' and crossed 'Not Negotiable'

Step 2.Return with payment advice

Send us your rates notice payment advice (bottom of your rates notice) along with a cheque or money order.

Step 3.Pay online

If you hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to claim a deduction on your rates.

Swan Hill Rural City Council
PO Box 488
Swan Hill
VIC 3585

Allow sufficient time for delivery as Council will not accept postal delays as a reason for late payment. Late payment will be subject to interest penalties regardless of the date of posting.

Other

Direct debit

Request for Council to make electronically deducted payments from your nominated bank account. Payments can be made by instalments, monthly or fortnightly. Complete Direct Debit Request form and return it to Council.
Direct Debit Request – Rate Payments form(PDF, 147KB)

BPay

Set up regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments through your telephone or internet banking with BPAY. The biller code and ref number are on your rates notice. Visit the BPAY website for more information.

Centrepay

Use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payment. For more information, call Centrelink or visit the Centerpay website.

Concessions

You may be eligible for a reduction on your rates if you hold one of the following concession cards:

Pensioner Concession Card
Veterans' Affairs Gold Card (TPI, War Widow, EDA or POW)

Find out how to apply for a municipal rates concession on the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.

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.