Your Rates Explained

How Your Rates are Calculated
Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the rate in the dollar set by Council.  The valuation for each property is determined by the Valuer General and is either a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV).

• Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the fair annual rental value of your property and is an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent your property.  Where the property is vacant land, an equivalent GRV, based on 5% of the property value, is used.
• For properties situated in the Shire of Kalamunda the Unimproved Value (UV) is the site value of the land.  In general, this means the value of the land as if it were vacant with no improvements except for merged improvements.  Merged improvements relate to improvements such as clearing, draining and filling.

Example:
Gross Rental Value = $10,920
Rate in the dollar = 0.06103 cents
Annual Rates amount = $10,920 x 6.103 cents = $666.45
(Minimum rates may apply)

Unimproved Value = $300,000

Rate in the dollar = 0.00227 cents
Annual Rates amount = $300,000 x 0.0227 cents = $681.00
(Minimum rates may apply)

For further information on valuations or to download the Rating and Taxing Values publication please visit http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au

Rubbish Charges

The annual charges for household waste collection and recycling is $236.00.  If you are registered with Council for a pensioner concession you will also receive a 50% discount on your rubbish charge.  If you order a bin during the year, you will be charged at a pro-rata rate from the date that the bin is ordered.

The waste collection charge includes the collection and disposal of:

• 1 mobile garbage bin of rubbish per week
• 1 mobile recycling bin per fortnight

For further information on Council’s waste management program please click here

Emergency Services Levy
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) appearing on your rates notice is an important contribution to assist our fire fighters both in an employed and volunteer capacity, for the Fire and Rescue Services, Bush Fire Brigades and State Emergency Services.  The ESL is a State Government charge which is levied and collected by local governments on behalf of Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA).  All ESL funds collected by local governments are sent directly to FESA and 100% of the Levy is used to fund fire and emergency services.

For further information on the Emergency Services Levy please contact FESA on 1300 136 099 or visit their website at http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/

Concessions for Pensioners and Seniors
If you are an owner and occupier of your property in the Shire of Kalamunda as at 1 July, you may be entitled to claim a concession on your rates and Emergency Services Levy.  To be eligible to apply, you must also be a holder of one of the following cards:
• a Seniors Card (issued by Office of Seniors’ Interests)  OR
• a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) and a Seniors Card (issued by Office of Seniors’ Interests)  OR
• a Pensioner Concession Card or a State Concession Card (and currently be receiving a payment of a ‘pension type’ stipulated in the Act)

The maximum level of rebate is 50% for pensioners (which includes seniors with a CSHC) and 25% for seniors without a CSHC.  Deferment of rate payments may also be available for pensioners with 100% entitlement.

If you become a pensioner or senior during the rating year (ie after 1 July) you can obtain a pro-rata rebate from the date that you register with the Water Corporation or Shire of Kalamunda.

To register for a concession, simply submit a completed application form together with a photocopy(ies) of both sides of your concession card(s) to either the Water Corporation or the Shire office.

For further information on pensioner and senior rates concessions or to request an application form be posted to you please contact the Rates Department on (08) 9257 9999.

Paying Your Rates
The Shire of Kalamunda offers a number of ways to pay your rates:

In Person:

• At the Shire office, located at 2 Railway Road, Kalamunda.  Office hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.  Payment can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Bankcard, MasterCard or Visa.
• At any Australia Post office or agency.  For locations call 13 13 18 or visit http://www.austpost.com.au/

By Mail

• Post to PO Box 42, Kalamunda WA 6926.  Cheques and money orders are to be made payable to Shire of Kalamunda.  Please ensure that your assessment number is quoted.
  

By BPay

• Contact your financial institution’s phone or internet banking service.  Please quote biller code 18465 and your customer reference number.

By Phone

• Phone 1300 276 468 to make payment by MasterCard or Visa.  This service is available 24 hours a day.  Please quote biller ID 18465 and your customer reference number.

The following payment options are offered for paying your rates:

• Payment of the full amount within 35 days from the date of issue of the rate notice, entering you in a prize draw  OR
• Payment of four bi-monthly instalments, with the first instalment due within 35 days from the date of issue of the rate notice

Ratepayers who pay their rates in full by the due date are entered in an incentive prize draw with a total value in excess of $25,000.  Winners are determined by random selection and a range of prizes are offered, including donations by local businesses and the Shire.

If you are unable to make payment by either of the above options or if you are experiencing financial hardship, alternative arrangements can be made.  Arrangements must be in writing and can be emailed to the Shire by clicking here

For further information please contact the Rates Department on (08) 9257 9999 or email us by clicking here