How can I pay rates?

There are a few options for paying your rates, including:

• In full.
• By instalments.
• By special arrangement.

Methods of paying rates include BPAY, direct deposit, by phone, or in person at the Shire of Northam Admin Building.

• The Shire BPAY ID is 2766, the payment reference number can be viewed on your rates notice, debtor invoice or other correspondence received.
• By Phone contacting the Shire office during business hours and pay your account over the phone using your credit card.
• In Person by presenting your notice at our Administration Centre, pay with cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa.
• By Mail to PO Box 613 Northam 6401 - Please include your payment slip.

What if I am experiencing financial difficulty?

Please contact us on 9622 6100 or via rates@northam.wa.gov.au to discuss your options.

You can also complete and return the below application form along with any supporting information to the above email address.

Application for Rates Hardship

Can I pay my rates in advance?

Yes!

The account information for your Rates is specific to your property; any additional payments you make sit as a credit towards the account which will be applied to future rates charges.

How do I request a refund for a rates overpayment?

If you have made an overpayment, you can apply for a refund by completing the below application form.

Rates Refund Form

Please note we will also require proof of bank details and proof of payment for verification purposes.

How do I add a pensioner/senior concession to my property?

Eligible concession card holders can add a Pensioner or Senior concession rebate by applying through the Water Corporation who applies concessions to water rates (if you are connected to scheme water) and forwards the application to the Shire after doing the required checks through Centrelink.

Online: Water Bill Concessions Perth and WA - Water Corporation

Phone: 13 13 85

Once your concession has been added to your property, the Shire of Northam completes the rebate application each year through RevenueWA on your behalf to ensure it is applied to your Rates and Emergency Services Levy.

How are rates calculated?

Rates are calculated by multiplying the Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV) of your property by the rate in the dollar. The rate in the dollar is the rates levy for the differential category applied to your property.

Rates are levied on all rateable properties to provide services and facilities to our community.

As a ratepayer of the Shire of Northam, your rates help pay for:

• the upkeep and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, street lighting, bushland and river foreshores
• bin collections, verge collections and recycling centres
• support local businesses and organisations
• community and recreation services including leisure centres, libraries, youth facilities, parks and reserves
• various community events and activity programs.

What are the Rates used for?

Your rates are critical in allowing us to deliver essential services and projects that will sustain our community for many years to come.

Rates are used to fund and maintain a wide range of services and facilities, including:

• libraries
• leisure and aquatic centres
• waste management
• roads
• footpaths
• parks
• reserves
• recreation halls
• community care
• graffiti removal
• health services
• business development
• community safety rangers
• urban planning
• environmental planning and rehabilitation
• tourism development
• community development.

What is Gross Rental Value (GRV)?

GRV is an annual indicative rental value for a property determined by the Valuer General of Western Australia. The Valuer General calculates GRV by analysing actual rental data. This means that properties are rated on their income earning potential rather than their resale value. The Valuer General reassesses the GRV of properties every three years as required under the Local Government Act 1995. The most recent revaluation undertaken was for the 2023/24 financial year.

Are there factors that affect my GRV?

Yes, property features like location, installation of a pool or patio, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional amenities can affect your GRV.

Can I object to the GRV assessed for my property?

A property owner may lodge an objection within 60 days of the date of issue of the Rates Notice. Rates must still be paid as assessed by the due date, even if an objection has been lodged.

Any reduction in rates as a result of a successful objection will be allocated to any balance outstanding or refunded. For guidance, visit Landgate's website or call their Customer Service at 9273 7373.

What happens to my rates if I make changes to my property?

The Valuer General will usually provide an amended valuation and effective date within three to five months of the completion of the changes undertaken at your property. It is at this point we will issue an Interim Rates Notice for your property, which is an amended rates notice reflecting the new GRV.

Examples of changes may include the construction of a new building, the installation of a pool, the addition of a new room, the demolition of a property, or the subdivision or strata titling of a property.

How do I notify the Shire of a change of address?

Property owners must inform the Shire of any mailing address changes, in writing, to ensure correct delivery of notices. Simply choose one of the following options:

• Option 1: Email - Send your updated address to rates@northam.wa.gov.au
• Option 2: Postal Mail - Mail your new details to PO Box 613, Northam WA 6401

The ownership of a property has changed - what do I need to do?

• The owner or the settlement agent is required to notify the Shire in writing within 21 days of the sale.
• Normally, this will be done by the purchaser’s settlement agent who submits a Change of Ownership form to the Rating Services Team. This form identifies the property, the seller, buyer and the date ownership changes.
• Rates statements are sent to the seller’s and purchaser’s settlement agents. These identify rates and charges levied and any balances still unpaid.
• Settlement agents usually handle all financial transactions, which include the payment of local government rates, water rates, land tax, etc to ensure there are no outstanding monies on the property being sold.
• Settlement agents calculate the proportion of rates owed by the seller and purchaser respectively, prior to settlement. The settlement process may include funds being retained from both the seller and purchaser to ensure outstanding rates balances are paid on settlement.