Pay your rates

Online payments may take up to two business days to appear.

Yes—most payment methods require your biller reference number from your rates notice.

Yes, once they have your payment details (e.g., BPAY reference or account number).

No, the City does not charge a credit card fee for online payments.

You can pay directly online, but creating a property owner account lets you access your rates notice and manage details.

If payment is received after the due date:

• Penalty interest may apply  
• Your account balance may increase  
• Reminder or final notices may be issued.

Penalty interest accrues on amounts which remain unpaid after the due date. Overdue rates, waste, community safety, and pool inspection charges and underground power (if applicable) incur penalty interest at a rate of 5 per cent.

Overdue Emergency Services Levy (ESL) amounts incur penalty interest at a rate of 11 per cent as directed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). 

Penalty interest for current rates, ESL and underground power (if applicable) does not apply to registered pensioners and seniors. However, penalty interest for waste and other charges will be incurred if payment is not received by the due date. 

No, direct debit payments must be made from a bank account. Credit cards are not accepted.

Your first payment will be deducted on the scheduled start date, provided your application is received by the required deadline.

Late applications are still accepted, however: 

• Penalty interest will apply from the original due date 
• Any outstanding balance will be included in your first payment 
• Your first payment will be processed on the first business day after approval.

Yes. To change your payment frequency, you’ll need to submit a new direct debit application. Once approved, the new arrangement will replace your existing direct debit, and a new payment schedule will apply. Please note, a $10.00 administration fee may apply to any change in frequency to your direct debit. 

If a payment is declined: 

• A $3.00 dishonour fee will be charged 
• The payment will not be automatically retried 
• You’ll need to make the missed payment separately.
   

Direct Debit and BPAY are both ways to pay your rates, but they work differently: 

• Direct Debit automatically deducts payments from your bank account on scheduled dates. 
• BPAY requires you to manually make payments through your bank each time, unless you set up recurring payments yourself. 

No. Once your direct debit is set up, it automatically continues each year unless you cancel or change it in writing.

We’re unable to take rate payments over the phone with a customer experience officer. This is because our staff do not have access to EFTPOS facilities, and to ensure your payment details remain secure. To safely process your payment by phone, please use our secure automated payment line, which is designed to protect your card information.

Yes, provided you use the official payment phone number 1300 661 144 as listed on your notice.

Concessions may be available for eligible pensioners or seniors. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and government regulations.

You are still responsible for payment. Contact the council to update your contact details and/or request a copy of your rates notice.

Ratepayers can request a refund of a credit on their rates account by contacting the Rates Team via the general enquiry form or emailing the rates team on rates@stirling.wa.gov.au. An administration fee of $10.00 will be applied per refund request. 

Please note, if your rates account is not in credit your refund request may not be approved.

If you are unable to pay any of the payment options on your rate notice due to financial hardship, you can apply for a payment arrangement. A special payment arrangement has a $32.45 administration fee, and penalty interest will accrue daily on the balance of the overdue account until it is fully paid. 

Please note pensioners and seniors are not charged an administration fee when setting up a payment arrangement. 

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, the City offers support to help you manage your rates. We understand that financial difficulties can be short term or ongoing, and we’re committed to working with you to find a suitable solution. Our approach is fair, flexible, and confidential, and we’re here to help you through this time. 

The City will work with you to review your financial position and if approved, the City will cease charging interest or penalties on overdue accounts and suspend any debt recovery within an agreed upon timeframe. 

Contact a Rates Team on (08) 9205 8555 or email rates@stirling.wa.gov.au for more information or discuss your current situation further. 
 
Click here for more information on financial hardship.