Paying Your Rates

Rates and Charges are payable by four instalments and are due by the following dates: 

1st Instalment         30 September 2024 
2nd Instalment       30 November 2024 
3rd Instalment        28 February 2025  
4th Instalment        31 May 2025  

Note – Direct Debit applications will not be accepted if the application is received after an Instalment has passed. Missed payment/s will be required to be paid before the direct debit can be set up.

Council offers fortnightly and monthly based direct debit options, as well as the option to pay the entire instalment the business day before its due date from your nominated bank account.

This payment option can be easier on the budget and relieves the worry of paying on time or incurring penalty interest for late payment.

You can set up a direct debit using our online direct debit form.

Please note that the dates for these direct debits are pre-set by council.

Click here to view the Direct Debit Schedule. (PDF, 53KB)

A direct debit request will be cancelled if there are 3 dishonoured payments within the financial year.

How to continue, change or cancel your direct debit plan

You only need to sign up once. You do not need to apply each year if your bank account details are the same.

If your bank account details change, or you wish to cancel your direct debit arrangement, you will need to complete the Direct Debit Request Form and select the relevant option.

Please complete and submit the form at least 14 days before the next schedule debit date.

Payment plans provide a flexible payment option that suits your individual circumstances.

Payment plans are calculated to pay your rates in full by the 4th instalment due date at a frequency of either:

• Weekly
• Fortnightly
• Monthly
• Other

Payment plans are only valid for the financial year in which they are made.

You must renew your payment plan when the annual rates are issued in August each year, or when your payment plan has ended.

Interest will not be charged unless the payment plan is cancelled.

If your rates are not going to paid in full by the 4th instalment due date, contact the Revenue Officer to calculate an approved repayment amount.

To apply for a payment plan, complete the Payment Plan Application.

Alternatively, call Customer Service on 03 5624 2411.

If you are having difficulty paying this years rates, we can help.

When you apply for financial hardship, we review your eligibility and will be in contact if further information is required. This might include deferring your rates payment short term.

If ratepayers are eligible for a Hardship Agreement: 

• Rates, Charges and Penalty Interest are deferred for 24 months
• Debt Recovery Action is put on hold by Council.
• Hardship Agreements that are due to expire, will be notified and required to re-apply to extend their Hardship Agreement.

Apply for hardship by completing the Hardship Assistance Application Form.

Applicants must start making their offered payments from the date of application.

Need help completing this form? We can help. Phone our friendly Customer Service team on 03 5624 2411 or visit the Drouin Office at 33 Young Street Drouin VIC 3818. (8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday).

You must pay each rates instalment by its due date to avoid being charged interest on your rates per year. (This is in accordance with Section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989).  

Legal action may also be taken to recover unpaid rates, and you may end up paying additional costs. 

If a property is referred to our debt collection agency and a payment plan or hardship agreement is not entered, the property may acquire legal fees.

Please see the price of these legal fees as set forth by Magistrates Court of Victoria.

Rate payers who pay all rates and charges on or before 30th of September each year will be entered into an Early Bird Incentive draw to win $1000.

Terms and Conditions - The Baw Baw Shire Council Early Bird Payment incentive will be conducted according to the appropriate Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation's Trade Promotion Lottery Permit Conditions. The giveaway will be drawn at random from all valid entries after processing 30 September payments annually. The winning entrant will be contacted in writing within seven days of the draw.