Rates

2012/2013 charges

There are 2 business rates categories in the City of Sydney – an ordinary category and a CBD category. Like residential rates, business rates are calculated using land valuations supplied by Land and Property Information NSW.

The ordinary business rate for 2012/2013 is 0.007152 cents in the dollar (with a minimum charge of $622.60). The CBD business rate is 0.013237 in the dollar (minimum $622.60).

Stormwater charge

Property owners must also pay a charge for the cost of providing new or additional stormwater management services across the City.

Stormwater management methods control the quantity and quality of run-off that flows from our streets, gutters, canals, waterways and creeks into Sydney Harbour and the Cooks River. These methods include re-using stormwater instead of valuable drinking water.

The Stormwater Management Service Charge for business properties is $25 per 350 sq.m or part thereof, pro-rata for strata and company title with a minimum of $5 per year.

Certain land may be exempt from the stormwater charge, such as Crown land, vacant land containing no impervious surfaces, and land belonging to charities and public benevolent institutions.

For more information on stormwater charges, contact us on 02 9265 9333.

Due dates for rates

Rates are paid every year and you can pay yours in full or by quarterly instalments. If you are paying in full, your rates are due on or before 31 August each financial year. The due dates for quarterly instalments are:

1st instalment - 31 August
2nd instalment - 30 November
3rd instalment - 28 February
4th instalment - 31 May

Remember:

The due dates and amounts of each quarterly instalment appear on your rate notice
Council sends notices 30 days before your second, third and fourth installments are due
If you’re paying quarterly and decide to pay your rates in full instead, you can do so at any time.

Interest charges on late payments

If you don’t pay your rates on or before the due date, interest (calculated daily) will be charged on the amount owing. Interest is payable under NSW law, and the rate charged is approved by the Minister for Local Government.

The current interest rate – displayed on the front of your rate notice – is 10% a year (for the 2012/2013 financial year). The City may take legal action to recover unpaid rates and charge the cost of the action to the ratepayer.

If you’re having difficulty paying, contact us to discuss making periodic payments (interest charges still apply). Call 02 9265 9333 for details.

Mixed development

A mixed development property is charged at a combination of residential and business rates. These properties could include a corner shop, doctor’s surgery or solicitor’s office with a residence attached. The residence should have its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom (or facilities for cooking and bathing). Premises with a common entrance and shared facilities usually aren't considered mixed developments.

Residential and business rates are charged according to the proportion of land used for each purpose. Generally, the dual charges provide some financial relief to the property owner.

Rates and charges for mixed development land are based on a percentage figure supplied by the Valuer General's Office, which calculates the proportion that the rental value of the business part bears to the rental value of the land as a whole.

For more information on mixed development rates, contact the City on 02 9265 9333.

Read more on the different rates categories, status checks and combining lots.