Rates & Valuations

Ratepayers in the Adelaide City Council area receive their first Valuation and Rate Notice by the end of July each year. Council rates are calculated by multiplying the annual assessed value of a property by a rate in the dollar.

The Council has developed a Rating Structure for 2011–12 that will allow for the delivery of Council services and work towards the achievement of Council’s Strategic Management Plan. Council will continue to adopt a Rating Policy to provide clear information to ratepayers about Council's rating structure.

The 2011/2012 Rating Structure now comprises two documents that build upon, and refine the 2009/2010 Rating Policy. Council's Rating Structure is implemented by the joint application of Council's Rating Policy and Rating Operating Guidelines.

The parameters and factors taken into account by the Council are outlined in the 2011–12 Annual Business Plan and Budget. A summary of Council's Annual Business Plan and Budget is sent to each ratepayer along with the Valuation and Rate Notice.

Rates provide less than 50 percent of the revenue of the Council, with other revenue gained from fees & charges, external funding, borrowings and commercial returns.

The Local Government Association of South Australia produces fact sheets about council rates and services. To view these fact sheets, visit the LGA’s Web Site. Fact Sheet 1 outlines a range of services which are funded by council rates.

When are Council Rates due?

Rates are payable in four instalments payable on or before:

● 1 September 2011
● 1 December 2011
● 1 March 2012
● 1 June 2012

Where can Council Rates be paid?

Council accepts payments of rates via cash, cheque, money order, Visa card, Mastercard, EFTPOS or direct payment over the internet.

Payment can be made at:

● Any Australia Post Agency
● Post – Locked Bag 1508, Adelaide SA 5001
● Phone: 13 18 16 (24 hours, 7 days)
● Online:
— Postbillpay.com.au (BPAY Biller Code 0961)
— BPAY Biller Code 36095
— Adelaidecitycouncil.com/payments
● Customer Centre on 25 Pirie Street, Monday–Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm.

For further information check the back of the Valuation and Rate Notice.

Remission of Rates

Ratepayers who have satisfied the eligibility criteria of SA Water and currently receive the Pensioner Concession, will also receive (on application) a Pensioner Remission of $100 for the 2011/2012 financial year.

Ratepayers who have satisfied the eligibility criteria of Revenue SA and currently receive the Self-funded Retiree Concession, will also receive (on application) a Self-funded Retiree Remission of $50 for the 2011/2012 financial year.

Ratepayers who have satisfied the eligibility criteria of Families SA and currently receive a hardship benefit, will also receive (on application) a hardship Remission to a maximum of $100 for the 2011/2012 financial year.

Under certain circumstances eligible Seniors Card holders, ratepayers will be able to postpone payment of their rates on their principle place of residence. The postponed amount is subject to a monthly interest charge, with the accrued debt being payable on the disposal or sale of the property. The debt may be paid at an earlier time at the ratepayer's discretion. The ratepayer is required to make a minimum payment of $500 each year (less any pensioner, senior concessions or owner occupier grants).

For further information see the Rating Policy (Statement 9: Postponement of Rates).

» Seniors Postponement of Rates Application Form 

Payment Difficulties

Ratepayers who are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to make their rate payment by the last day are encouraged to contact Council’s rates staff at the earliest opportunity. A revised instalment payment scheme to suit their circumstances can be considered. All discussions relating to payment difficulties will be treated in confidence.

Objections to Valuations

Ratepayers who believe the valuation for their property is incorrect should write to Council within 60 days from receipt of the first Valuation and Rate Notice setting out the grounds of their objection. Further information is printed on the back of Valuation and Rate Notice and set out in the Rating Operating Guidelines

Objection forms for Residential and Non-Residential properties are available to download or can be obtained from the Customer Centre by phoning (08) 8203 7203.

Where a ratepayer objects to the valuation, a member of the Council’s valuation team will contact them and arrange an inspection of the property. The annual value will be reconsidered by a Council Valuer who will compare rents received for similar properties with the ratepayer’s property.

Objecting to a valuation does not change the due date for payment of council rates, which must be paid as billed. Any amount of overpayment will be credited once the objection has been finalised.

Ratepayers should be mindful that it is possible for a valuation to be increased on objection. Where a ratepayer is unhappy with the revaluation undertaken by the Council Valuer they may seek a review by an independent valuer. This must be done within 21 days of receiving the Council revaluation. Please note that statutory fees apply for the undertaking of an independent review. Please complete the Application for Review Valuation Form and return it to us with the appropriate fee which will be detailed in your letter advising you of the valuation determination.

The Local Government Act provides that Council must vary an annual value only if the independent valuer determines a change in excess of 10 per cent. Should such variation result in a reduction by more than 10 per cent, the fee paid will be refunded.

Objections to Land Use

Where a ratepayer believes that the incorrect land use has been attributed to the land on which rates have been assessed, they may within 60 days from Receipt of the first Rates and Valuations Notice formally object in writing. An Objection Form for Land Use can also be obtained from the Customer Centre by calling (08) 8203 7203.

Natural Resources Management Levy

The State Government requires Councils to collect a levy on behalf of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board. The total amount of revenue required from Adelaide City Council ratepayers has been determined by the NRM Board. This appears as a separate item on the Valuation and Rate notice. Council does not retain this revenue or determine how it is spent.

For more information about the NRM Board, see Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board or call (08) 8273 9100.