Rates
General Information
Why have rates?
Baulkham Hills Shire Council needs income to carry out services for the local community. The main sources of Council's income are rates, fees and charges, grants, borrowings and investments. Council is required by law to impose rates but has considerable flexibility in working out the mix of income sources.
What are rates?
Rates are a property tax levied on the land value (as determined by the Valuer General). There are two types of rates - ordinary and special. Council must levy ordinary rates on the following land categories reflecting the dominant use of the land - residental, farmland and business. The rating structure is based on a two-part structure consisting of an ad-valorem amount and a base amount.
Glossary
There are some specialised terms used in rating. Some helpful terms are:
assessment - is the rate assessed on an individual rateable parcel of land.
ad valorem - means in proportion to the value. The ad valorem amount is expressed as cents in each dollar of rateable value.
ad-valorem rate - is a rate determined by multiplying the rateable value of the land (as determined by the Valuer General) by the cents in the dollar determined by Council.
base charge - is a uniform amount payable in respect of all assessments subject to a particular rate. The Base Charge is included in all rate assessments.
Back to top
Rates Calculator
This calculator will help you estimate what your rates will be for a full financial year. Follow the steps below for a calculation.
- Enter the land value.
- Select a land type. There are three types within this Shire, being residential, business or farmland. These categories reflect the dominant use of the property.
- Enter your appropriate garbage type. Most residential properties have a 140L bin.
Stormwater charges applied. The amount for the stormwater charge will be $25.00 per residence or $12.50 for residential stratas.
NB: The rates calculator will give you an estimate only.
You can find the Rates Calculator HERE
Back to top
Pay Rates Online
Welcome to Council's Pay Rates Online Service. Council currently provides a rate payment service through the Internet. Click here to access this service.
Council is currently working on other pay online services which will be added to this page in the near future.
Back to top
Direct Debit Request and Service Agreement
Direct Debit Request and Service Agreement (PDF) - 1,105 KB
Back to top
Pensioner Rebates
If you are a pensioner and hold a current Pensioner Concession Card and your rebate has not been automatically deducted you may be eligible for a rebate on your rates.
To be eligible for a rebate you must own or part-own the property. The property must also be your sole or principal place of residence.
To apply for this rebate for the first time you should come into the Customer Service Centres to fill in a claim form. At the same time you should complete an authority form in order to receive an automatic rebate in the following year. New applicants should bring their Pensioner Concession Card and their latest Council Rates and Charges Notice.
The rebate varies from one property to another and will be calculated at the time the application is made. The rebate for a full year from 1 July to 30 June will be based on 50% of the rate levy to a maximum of $250. Pro rata rebates are available and will be calculated for each full quarter following the quarter in which the pensioner becomes eligible.
Eligible on or before 1 July full rebate $250
Eligible on or before 1 October rebate $187.50
Eligible on or before 1 January rebate $125
Eligible on or before 1 April rebate $62.50
Pensioner Concession Hardship Rate Relief Application Form
Applying for a Pensioner Consession Information Sheet
Pensioner Consession Application Form
Back to top
Waste Management Charges
There is no State Government limitation on charges for the supply of domestic waste services. However, Council must base its charges on reasonable cost and the determination of these charges is subject to an independent audit review.
Back to top
Privacy and Personal Information
The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act became effective from 1 July 2000. The Act provides requirements in regard to the protection of personal information. Council holds certain personal information, for example ratepayers names and addresses. In certain situations Council may disclose personal information that it holds. This is usually in relation to the reasons for which the information was collected or for other statutory or lawful functions of other Government agencies. In addition, certain information held by Council may be regarded as public registers that are open to inspection pursuant to a variety of legislation.
For further information on Privacy and Personal Information legislation contact Council's Public Officer on 9843 0122.
Back to top