​​​​​​​​​1. How are my rates calculated?​

Rates are calculated according to the value of land in the area. The value of land in Canterbury-Bankstown is determined every three years by the Valuer General. There are many factors that are taken into consideration when deciding on land value including recent sale prices, zoning and access to public facilities. This means that rates charged in Canterbury-Bankstown will be different to rates charged in other Council areas.

2. What is the Residential Ad-Valorem Rate (rate in the dollar)?

3. What is the Business Ad-Valorem Rate (rate in the dollar)?

4. What are the Business sub-category Ad-Valorem Rates (rate in the dollar)?

5. What are the additional charges shown on my Rates Notice?

6. How is my garbage collection fee or 'domestic waste charge' calculated?

All residents who have their garbage and recycling collected pay a domestic waste charge. The fee is determined by the total income needed to operate this service. Council sets the fee at a fixed rate each year and the income generated by this charge is put back into the garbage collection service to keep it operating successfully.

7. Does Council charge GST on rates and garbage collection charges?

Council does not charge GST on rates or garbage collection charges.

8. When are rates due?

Rates are levied each year for the period of 1 July to 30 June. You will receive a Rates/Instalment Notice four times a year, unless you pay the whole Rates for the year by the first due date – 31 August.​

Rates payments are due on 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May.​

9. Why was I charged interest on my rates?

Interest will be charged when you fail to pay your rate notice or rate instalment by the due date. Interest accrues daily, starting from the first day after the due date. The rate of interest is set by Council but does not exceed State Government regulation percentages. Council can write off interest in special circumstances but the best way to avoid being charged interest on your rates is to make sure payment is made before the due date.

10. What happens if I don't pay my rates?

12. Do I need to tell Council that my address has changed?

Yes, it is your responsibility to advise Council of your new address and contact details. To update your details complete the Change of Address form and submit to Council to action.

13. Why are there two different addresses on my rate notice?

Sometimes two different addresses will appear on your rate notice - the postal address and the property address. Council sends your rate notices to your postal address and the property address is what you are paying your rates on. In some cases the suburbs listed on your notice may be different. This is nothing to be concerned about as sometimes postal boundaries are different to the specified geographical boundaries.

14. How do I apply for a Pension Rebate?

A pension rebate is available to eligible pensioners upon application. The total concession available is set by legislation.

The amount or percentage of concession will be determined on the basis that:

• You own the property on your own; or
• You own the property with one or more eligible occupiers (an eligible occupier can be your spouse, another eligible pensioner and his or her spouse if they use the property as their sole principal home); or
• You own the property with someone who is not an eligible occupier.

Eligibility Criteria

1. You must be an eligible pensioner and hold a Pension Concession Card.
2. You must own and occupy the dwelling, as your sole or principal place of living, for which a concession is being sought.
3. Evidence of eligibility is required i.e. pension concession card.
4. You must complete and submit to Council the Pensioner Concession Application.

Please note:

• Persons who become eligible pensioners during the rating year, upon application, will receive a concession proportionate to the number of full quarters remaining after the day on which the person becomes an eligible pensioner.
• If eligibility ceases during the year, the entitlement will cease on the last day of the quarterly instalment.

How to apply

Download the Pensioner Concession application form, complete it and return, with a copy of your Pension Concession Card, to the Canterbury-Bankstown Council, PO Box 8, Bankstown NSW 1885.

Or visit one of our Customer Service Centres during office hours.

• Bankstown – Upper Ground Floor, 66-72 Rickard Rd, Bankstown
• Campsie - 137 Beamish St Campsie

You will need to bring your current Pensioner Concession Card, and our staff will be able to assist you in completing the application.

15. Why didn't I receive my pensioner rebate?

You may no longer be eligible for a pensioner rebate due to a change in circumstance or personal details within the last 12 months. For example, you may not have received the pensioner rebate because:

• You may not be a pensioner anymore;
• The owners' name on your property may have changed;
• You may have gone overseas for an extended period of time;
• You may have changed FROM Centrelink TO Veteran Affairs or vice–versa; or
• You may have changed your details with Centrelink or Veteran Affairs.

Please speak to the staff at Centrelink or Veteran Affairs to update your details or to enquire about your current status in relation to receiving a pensioner rebate.