Rating Information

Rates are charged on a per property basis.

Key Dates for Paying Rates

You may pay your rates in full or by instalments. To avoid penalties at least one quarter of your rates must be paid quarterly by the dates below.

• 31 August 2012
• 30 November 2012
• 22 February 2013
• 31 May 2013

All outstanding rates after the last day for payment will incur a 10 percent penalty.

All rates outstanding at 30 June will incur a further 10 percent penalty.

How to Pay

The Southland District Council offers its ratepayers a variety of options to pay their rates.

Automatic Payment

An automatic payment is where you instruct your bank to pay the Council a regular amount. You must include your billing number with these payments as without this Council has no way of knowing which property you are paying rates for and you may be charged penalties. If you have more than one property you must make one payment per property.

This saves you time and money because once it is set up, you don't have to physically pay your rates every three months and the costs of transactions are less.

If paying by automatic payment, please contact Council for an automatic payment form.

Direct Debit

A direct debit is where you give the Council authority to draw rates from your bank account when you want. This can be done Annually, Monthly and Quarterly.

This makes sure all payments are made on time, Council pays the bank fees and you don't have to travel into town to make a payment. Council will adjust annually the amount required.

Telephone/Internet Banking

Telephone or internet banking gives you another option for paying your rates and are available through most banks. These services allow you to pay your rates whenever it suits and from anywhere in the country.

If paying by telephone banking, please contact Council for details to give to your bank. If paying by internet banking, please note that Southland District Council is a Bill Payee with all New Zealand banks. Please select the option: SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL - RATES and enter your billing numbers where indicated. If you have more than one property you must make one payment per property.

Cheques, Cash and Eftpos

Cheques may be sent or handed in to any Council office. Cash or Eftpos will be accepted at the reception counter of any Council office. Payment by cheque must include your billing number.

Credit Cards (Mastercard or Visa only)

You can use your Visa or Mastercard to pay your rates, either by going into Council offices or filling in the credit card details on the back of the instalment notice and sending it in to Council.

Rates Rebate

Central Government provides funding for rates rebates for low-income homeowners.

You can apply for a rates rebate through Council, which can also answer any questions you might have.

Please note the closing date for rebate applications for the 2012/2013 year is 30 June 2013.