Rate Payment Options made easy
Litchfield Council has a number of payment options available to rate payers;
In person
At the Council office between 8.15 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday
- By Cash
- Australia Post Money Order
- Bank or Personal cheque
- Credit Card (Mastercard,Visa)
- EFTPOS (no cash out facility)
An after hours deposit chute is also available near the foyer.
Please bring your rates notice with you.
By B-Pay
To make a direct payment from your cheque, savings or credit card, log onto Internet Banking or call your bank and quote the biller code (172049) and the payment reference number on your rates notice. Note: only a minimum payment of $50 will be accepted through B-Pay.
By Mail
Please send a cheque, money order or credit card details with remittance notice to;
Litchfield Council
PO Box 446
Humpty Doo NT 0836
By Phone or Fax
To make a credit card payment by phone call (08) 8983 0600 between 8.15am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please have your rates notice and credit card details handy.
Alternatively you can fax your credit card details and rates notice to (08) 8983 1165.
By Direct Debit
Council is able to Direct Debit from your bank account. Direct Debits occur on Thursdays and can be set up by you to be deducted weekly, fortnightly or monthly. To arrange for this method of payment please contact the rates officer on 08 8983 0600 or email: rates@lsc.nt.gov.au
By Centrepay
People receiving payments from Centrelink are able to set up deductions from their payments for rates. For assistance in setting up deductions please contact the rates section.
By Direct Deposit
Northern Territory Government Employees can directly debit the payment of rates from their salary each fortnight by contacting the rates officer for reference details.
Australian Central Credit Union members can arrange for their credit union to post weekly, fortnightly or monthly cheques to be sent to Council from their accounts.
By periodic Credit Card deduction
Regular debits from credit cards for an agreed amount and time interval can also be arranged. To activate this method a written agreement needs to be made between the Council and the credit card holder. Please contact the rates officer.
Finances & Rates
The Litchfield Council has two main sources of income, Commonwealth funding and rates. Commonwealth funding this year (2009-2010) is estimated to be $3,183 million whilst revenue from rates will be approximately $5.497 million.
The Litchfield Council does not apply traditional rating methods i.e. rating based on the valuation of land. Instead the Council applies a fixed charge rate on each allotment on a equal basis irrespective of valuation, size or use of the block.
The current council rates are $750.00. An additional ratepayer contribution levy is imposed on ratepayers where their roads are scheduled to be sealed in the forthcoming financial year.
Payment of Rates
Council rates are charged each financial year (1 July to 30 June). Issue of Rate Notices usually occur in September. Penalties for late payments are charged at 17% per annum.
To view the current Fees and Charges for 2009-2010 click here
Rate Book Charges
Under Section 256 of the Local Government Act any person is entitled to inspect the Rate book free of charge during office hours.
Fees for Rate search or written confirmation.
A charge of $60.00 (including GST) is charged for written information of details from the rate book; i.e. Certificate of Liabilities.
Concession for Pensioners
Eligible Pensioners are entitled to a concession on their rates. Concessions are automatically included in rates notices.
Enquiries regarding pension eligibility shoud be directed to:
Department of Health and Community Services
Pensioner Concession Unit
PO Box 40596
Casuarina NT 0811
Telephone: (08) 8922 7306 or 1800 777 704
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