Government Rates Estimator
Estimate your annual municipal property rates and charges.
The CIV (Capital Improved Value) or NAV (Net Annual Value) found on your assessment notice.
Enter the rate factor used by your municipality. If your rate is 0.25 cents, enter 0.0025.
Fixed annual fee for bin collection and recycling services.
Fixed component of state fire or emergency levies.
Add other fixed charges (positive) or pensioner rebates (negative).
Estimated Rates Breakdown
General Rates (Based on Value):
$0.00
Waste Management Fee:
$0.00
Emergency/State Levies:
$0.00
Other Charges/Rebates:
$0.00
Total Annual Charge:
$0.00
Payment Installment Estimates:
Quarterly Installment (x4):
$0.00
Monthly Installment (x10):
$0.00
Understanding How Government Rates Are Calculated
Government rates (also known as council rates, municipal rates, or property taxes) are a levy charged by local government authorities to fund essential community services and infrastructure. Unlike income tax, these rates are based on the value of the property you own.
The Core Formula:
Total Rates = (Property Value × Rate in the Dollar) + Fixed Service Charges
Total Rates = (Property Value × Rate in the Dollar) + Fixed Service Charges
1. Property Valuation (CIV vs NAV)
The foundation of your rates calculation is the assessed value of your property. This is determined by a Valuer-General or municipal valuer, not by a real estate agent.
- Capital Improved Value (CIV): The total market value of the land plus buildings and other improvements. Most residential rates use this method.
- Net Annual Value (NAV): The estimated annual rental value of the property.
- Site Value (SV): The value of the land only, excluding any buildings.
2. The "Rate in the Dollar"
Once the council determines its total budget requirement for the year, it divides this amount by the total value of all rateable properties in the municipality. This generates a multiplier, often referred to as the "Rate in the Dollar."
For example, if the rate is 0.0025, you pay 0.25 cents for every dollar of your property's value. A property valued at $600,000 would incur $1,500 in general rates ($600,000 × 0.0025).
3. Additional Charges and Levies
Your rates notice usually includes more than just the property value calculation:
- Waste Management Charge: A fixed fee to cover the cost of kerbside rubbish, recycling, and green waste collection.
- Emergency Services Levy: A state government charge collected by the council to fund fire brigades and emergency services. This often consists of a fixed fee plus a variable rate based on property value.
- Pensioner Rebates: Eligible concession card holders may receive a deduction from their total bill.
Why Do Rates Change?
Rates can increase due to two main factors: a rise in the council's budget to cover inflation and new projects, or a shift in your property's value relative to others in the area. If your property value increases by 10% but the average across the municipality only increases by 5%, your slice of the total rates pie will likely grow.