Rates Frequently Asked Questions
General queries
When will I receive my Annual Rates Notice?
Most properties will receive an Annual Rates Notice by post in August each year.
If you have signed up for e-rates, you will receive your rates notice electronically.
Your rates help us fund essential services, programs and facilities our community relies on every day. Your investment allows us to build local roads and footpaths, maintain parks and playgrounds, construct sporting facilities and community buildings, collect household rubbish, host free local events and run our local libraries.
Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV) by the rate in the dollar set by Council, subject to minimum rates.
Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the fair rental value of your property as determined by the State Government (Landgate) Valuer-General and is an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent your property.
Properties used for non-rural purposes e.g. urban residential, commercial etc. are valued using the GRV method.
Unimproved Value (UV) is the fair market value of your property as determined by the Valuer General’s Office and does not take into account any improvements on the land such as dwellings or outbuildings. Land used for rural purposes is valued using the UV method.
Landgate determines individual property GRV or UV. This has nothing to do with whether your property is rented or not - it is just an independent valuation of your property.
Do I pay GST on my rates assessment?
GST is not payable on general rates, Waste Service charges, the Emergency Services Levy or the Pool Fence Inspection fee.
Why are pool inspection fees charged?
State Government legislation requires all private swimming pool enclosures be inspected at least every four years. The City charges pool owners an annual fee to recover the cost of all inspections over a four-year inspection cycle. All pool owners are required to properly maintain their pool enclosures for the safety of our community.
How is the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) calculated?
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) fee amount is not imposed by the City. It is set by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and funds Western Australia’s fire and emergency services, including Career and Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service brigades.
ESL charges are calculated based on numerous factors, including the ESL category your property falls under and your property's Gross Rental Value (GVR) or Unimproved Value (UV).
The City collects these funds on behalf of DFES through its annual Rates notice and passes on all ESL money collected to DFES in full.
Can I get a copy of my Rates Notice?
Yes, you can request a copy of your Rates Notice. Your current Rates Notice will be provided free of charge. An administration charge of $30 per notice applies to previous years’ Rates Notices.
Please note: if you require figures for tax purposes, we can provide these over the phone.
Request a copy of your Rates Notice
Payment queries
Go to our online payments page to pay online.
Can I make a payment arrangement?
Please complete our rates payment arrangement form or contact Rating Services on 9405 5000 to request an arrangement.
Payments can be made on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.
All payment arrangements are subject to interest and administration fees.
I've lodged an objection to my rates and have received a final notice. Do I have to pay?
Yes, rates must be paid as assessed by the due date regardless of whether an objection has been lodged. Any reduction in rates as a result of a successful objection will be refunded. Interest will accrue on rates if they are not paid in full. The City will charge daily interest of 5% per annum on overdue amounts of general rates, service charges and legal fees outstanding, and daily interest of 11% per annum on overdue amounts of Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
I'm a pensioner, should my rates be discounted?
If you are a pensioner or senior, you can apply to receive a State Government Rebate on charges for local government rates and Emergency Services Levies (ESL).
For information about eligibility requirements and how to apply visit ConcessionsWA.
I can't afford to pay my rates. What can I do?
If you are experiencing severe financial hardship, please call the City on 9405 5000 to discuss your eligibility for the City’s Financial Hardship Policy.
What happens if I don’t pay my rates?
If rates remain unpaid after a final notice and a final letter of demand has been issued to you, your account can be referred to an external debt recovery agent.
The external debt recovery agent will contact you in an attempt to obtain payment, either in full or by an agreed payment plan.
If neither of the above occurs, a General Procedure Claim may be issued through the Magistrates Court which will result in legal costs being incurred. If in the event a General Procedure Claim does not result in payment of the account the City may proceed with a property seizure or sale order to obtain the costs owed.
The City may also proceed to sell the land if rates have been outstanding for a certain period, or alternatively if the property is rented the City may seize the rent in order to clear the outstanding balance.
Change of details
Property owners are required to ensure that the City has the correct address for service of Rates Notices.
Please notify Council of your change of residential and/or mailing address by completing the Change of address form.
What if the property changes ownership?
Under the provisions of Section 9.68 of the Local Government Act 1995, written notice must be given to the City within 21 days, whenever any person sells or otherwise disposes of any rateable land. Details of the description of the land and then name and address of the purchaser must be stated.
If you have not engaged a Settlement Agent/Conveyancer to effect the sale or disposal of your property, please notify Council of any changes to ownership of your property in writing by:
- Contact us via our Change of address form; or
- Mailing a letter to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, WANNEROO WA 6946; or
- Hand deliver a letter:
- Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo. Mon-Fri between 8:30am and 5pm
- Clarkson Library, 27 Ocean Keys Bvd, Clarkson. Mon-Fri between 9am and noon, and 12:45pm and 5pm