Council's main source of income is from rates levied on rateable land in the council area. Council rates are a local tax levied on the land value of rateable properties, as assessed by the Valuer General. Council is currently using valuations issued by the Valuer General with a base date 1 July 2010. Approximately 26,500 rate notices have been issued in 2012/2013 with a general rate revenue yield of more than $29.4 million. Rates are used to provide services, which range from street lighting and road maintenance through to environmental protection and planning.
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The Local Government Act 1993 gives councils the power to raise rates and annual charges, which are a local tax levied on the land value of each parcel of land in the council area.
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You, as a ratepayer often have questions about your rates notice and Tamworth Regional Council is keen to give you the answers. Questions including: What do I get for my rates? Do Pensioners receive rebates? When are my rates due and many more.
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The Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to categorise each parcel of rateable land as either residential, business, farmland or mining. Tamworth Regional Council has a rating structure that comprises six residential, six business, one farmland and one mining category.
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There are a range of services for which Council is required to levy a separate charge, which include domestic waste management, stormwater management, water service and consumption and wastewater service availability. However, Council rates and annual charges are exempt from GST.
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To be eligible for a pension rebate on your rates and annual charges you must be the person liable for the rates and annual charges on a property. The property must be your sole or principal residence, and you must have a current pensioner concession card.
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Details of how to change postal and name details on rate notices.
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Council rates and charges are due on or before 31 August each year and can also be paid by instalment by the end of each financial quarter, in November, February and May.
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As well as paying in person by cash, cheque, credit card or EFTPOS, Council offers ratepayers a range of options for making their payments, including BPay and POSTbillpay.
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A purchaser, solicitor or real estate agent can apply for a Rates and Charges, or s603 Certificate, which states the amount of any rates, water charges and other charges that are outstanding. There is a statutory fee payable and certificates generally take about three working days to produce, from time of payment.
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